We visited Pinnawela where orphaned elephants are cared for. It has become the most popular attraction in Sri Lanka. Aside from this place, it is only at peraheras (processions) you see these giants at close range in big numbers. They are handled and controlled by mahouts so much like a shepherd keeping aflock of sheep. They roam freely around the sanctuary area.
These are domesticated elephants which were abandoned by their former owners. Baby elephants who lost their mothers in the jungle are also adopted by the herd. The big elephant above seems to have adopted a wee one inspite of her amputated right front foot. This elephant was abandoned because of a severe infection which cost a front leg.
These animals have become so dependent on human beings that they can no longer be reintroduced in the wild.
A mahout doing the daily routine of giving the beasts a wash.
Oh, we could have spent more time here as they were also feeding the calves in a shelter a few minutes walk away! The kiddos brought some sketching materials but we have yet to travel 3 hours more to our next destination...
