My visit to the Pinnawala Open Zoo felt like stepping into a place with a remarkable story. Established on April 17, 2015, it marked Sri Lanka’s first open-concept zoo, designed to mimic natural habitats for the animals. Learning about its history, from the initial vision in 2000 by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga to its completion under President Mahinda Rajapakse’s administration, gave me a deeper appreciation of the effort behind this incredible project. The staggering LKR 862 million investment reflects the country’s dedication to wildlife conservation. Exploring the Zoo Walking into the Pinnawala Open Zoo was like entering a wildlife and…

Nestled along the Colombo-Kandy road near the 82nd km post, the Elephant Orphanage offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sri Lanka's wildlife conservation efforts. Established in 1975 amidst a lush 7-hectare coconut plantation, this sanctuary serves as the first elephant orphanage in the country and operates as a breeding centre for elephants. Discovering the Orphanage Grounds Upon entering the orphanage, I was greeted by a serene atmosphere, where towering coconut trees swayed in the breeze. The orphanage currently houses over 60 elephants of various ages and sizes. These majestic creatures have a unique story—most of them were rescued…