I prefer to adopt an optimistic perspective. I strive to recognize the positive aspects in errors and the opportunities for growth that arise from adverse experiences. However, certain matters are undeniably negative.
Writing this post has presented several challenges. Primarily, I aim to avoid amplifying negativity, a principle I hold dear. Nonetheless, I also feel compelled to express my concerns when I encounter troubling incidents, especially in a domain I deeply care about.
Recently, I came across an Instagram account showcasing the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the elephants in the Pinnawala River. It immediately rekindled my motivation to generate this post. 💛
Early last year, our visit to the stunning Sri Lanka was nothing short of remarkable; we climbed Lion Rock, explored Kandy, and admired numerous temples that I had longed to visit—it was truly unforgettable until our final day, when our local tour guide suggested that we visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
At first glance, the opportunity seemed excellent—contributing positively to elephant welfare sounded like a dream (I have always been fond of elephants, having opted for a cuddly elephant instead of a teddy bear as a child).
Upon arrival, however, my instincts began to raise concerns. After our guide paid an entry fee, we were directed promptly to some restrained elephants, where the handlers expected us to pose for the sake of a side payment. This practice, while purportedly prohibited, appeared to be disturbingly common among every visitor I observed.
As I proceeded to explore the grounds, it quickly became evident that the treatment of the elephants was distressing. I saw multiple elephants chained in isolated confinement (evident in the accompanying images).
While I do not claim to fully understand elephant behavior, the sight of them swaying back and forth in repetitive motions was unsettling. They appeared to be in significant distress.
One particularly distressed elephant was repeatedly shaking its head at a concerning rate without pause. It was heartbreaking to witness. After locating a handler, I inquired about the reasons behind the chaining of the elephants.
The explanation indicated that this was to prevent the larger elephants from harming smaller ones during mating periods, with assurances that they would not remain chained for more than six months. Yes, you read that correctly… six months! I felt utterly powerless.
Personally, I consider this reasoning insufficient. Nature is indeed powerful, and the primary reason these elephants were restrained was likely due to their confinement in unnatural environments, which compelled them to behave in this manner.
I have heard numerous individuals justify that the chaining of these elephants is to ensure the safety of other elephants, yet I firmly believe such reasoning is misguided and inherently cruel.
Unsurprisingly, both of us were eager to depart as soon as we arrived, so we made our way to the Pinnawala riverfront to await our driver, intending to have a meal before leaving.
According to reports, this riverfront is adjacent to the location where elephants bathe in the river, a sight that has gained increasing popularity among visitors to Sri Lanka.
To my dismay, I noticed the handlers bringing some of the elephants into the river and chaining them right in the water. Beneath a thin film of water lay piles of chains restraining significant numbers of elephants.
They were unable to move at all. Several elephants were even compelled to lie down in the water and faced threats or blows if they attempted to rise. This was carried out before the bulk of visitors arrived, and only now and then could one notice the chains submerged underneath the water.
In all honesty, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage resembles more of a factory farm for elephants. The elephants I saw were evidently suffering, restrained, and it seemed to serve merely as a revenue generator for the handlers.
Sri Lanka is a remarkably beautiful nation (one I am eager to revisit), yet I intend to thoroughly research any activities before allowing a local guide to take me to places they believe I might appreciate.
Hidden behind the picturesque Instagram images of the elephants at Pinnawala River is a troubling culture rife with economic exploitation, cruelty, and animal mistreatment. Consider your choices carefully before visiting or engaging with images from this distressing location and, most importantly, conduct thorough research (like that provided by the Born Free Foundation) ❤
If your intention is to observe elephants during your visit, consider places such as Minneriya National Park, Udawalawe National Park, and Yala National Park, where elephants roam freely and carry out their natural behaviors. If luck is on your side, you might encounter a few, or maybe even a dozen, of them.
Regardless of the scenario, it is exponentially more rewarding to witness a couple of truly wild and free elephants than to be guaranteed the opportunity to see hundreds that are restrained and tormented.
