Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Sri Lankan elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) are an endangered species and their survival in their natural habitats is threatened due to human activities. Elephants in the wild are constantly being killed, and many elephant calves become orphaned. In order to support these orphaned elephants, the Department of Wildlife Conservation set up the Elephant Transit Home within Udawalawe National Park with help from the Born Free Foundation. The facility was established under the 29th Amendment to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance Part II.[1]

As of 8 February 2009, 39 orphaned elephant calves were being looked after. The elephant calves are released to the jungle after they become strong enough to survive in their natural habitats. As of 2008, sixty-five elephants had been released to the jungle.

Up to three elephants per week are killed in Sri Lanka due to conflicts with humans, often leaving behind orphan calves.[2] The elephants are kept at part of the Udawalawe National Park to maintain familiarity with their habitat.

The centre houses information on elephants. Additionally, a solar heater was set up at the facility by Dilmah Conservation to heat the water used to make the milk fed to the orphaned elephants.

• Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
• Wildlife of Sri Lanka