Elephant Transit Home is an ethical elephant sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It acts as a halfway house for orphaned elephant calves so they can be rehabilitated, and released back into the wild where they can fend for themselves.
In this complete guide, you will find everything you need to know about visiting the transit home, from the centre’s history, and its residents, to the best time to visit.
Wild elephants can be seen in several Sri Lankan National Parks such as Wilpattu. However, learning about the elephants, and watching them at feeding time is heartwarming, and great fun. Plus, you get to watch wildlife conservation in action, while also helping this ethical organisation to exist, and thrive.
- Feeding Times: 10.30am, 2.30pm, 6pm (arrive 15-30 minutes early)
- Entry for foreigner: Rs 1820
- Parking: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Duration: About 30 minutes
- Plenty of cafes and stalls near the entrance
- Try to avoid weekends, and holidays when it will be very busy
WHAT IS UDAWALAWE ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME
Elephant Transit Home is a facility that was established in 1995, with the purpose of rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned Asian elephant calves into the wild.
Also known as Udawalawe elephant orphanage, it has gained global recognition as one of the most successful rehabilitation programs for elephants.
The home is run by the country’s Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and supported by the Born Free Foundation.
WHERE IS THE TRANSIT HOME?
The complex is situated in the south of the island, about 5km from the western border of Udawalawe National Park. It lies adjacent to Udawalawe Reservoir, on the main Lakeside Road.
FACTS ABOUT SRI LANKA ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME
- The Sinhala name for elephant transit home (ETH) is Ath Athuru Sevana.
- Former deputy director of the Department, Dr. Nandana Athapaththu, registered the home’s first orphaned elephant on the pilot scheme in October 1995. She was a one-year-old female, who was named “Komali”.
- Since then, more than 200 elephants have been cared for at the transit home. Most of these have been successfully released into the wild in their natural habitats. Orphaned elephants are normally reintroduced into the wild at the age of five, when they can take care of themselves.
- There are normally around 40 juvenile elephants here at any one time.
- One of the main challenges is post-disease treatment which can be a long, slow process.
IS ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME ETHICAL?
Initially when the transit home was set up, conservationists were doubtful and sceptical about the viability of the program. However, the welfare, rehabilitation, and protection of the elephants is paramount, and the following guidelines are in place, namely:
- Orphaned elephants are free to roam wherever they want.
- Elephants are never chained, as they can be at other elephant orphanages.
- Riding, touching, and having photos alongside the elephants is prohibited.
- To maximize their chances of survival in the wild, human contact is kept to an absolute minimum.
Elephant transit home Sri Lanka respects the elephants and doesn’t allow people to interact with them. The orphaned and sick elephants are fed and cared for until a time that can fend for themselves in the wild.
HOW TO VISIT ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME UDAWALAWE
While most safari tours will make a stop at the transit home, it is very easy to visit independently as we did. The important thing is to time your visit with one of the feeding times.
After parking, queue up at the ticket office to pay your entrance fee, and get a valid ticket. There is no need to reserve your ticket prior to your visit. The ticket office is currently undergoing reconstruction, and there are separate well signed queues for foreigners, and locals.
COST OF ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME TICKETS
Udawalawe elephant transit home entrance fee for foreigners is Rs 1820 (adult). As with other attractions in Sri Lanka, there is a separate price for locals, and foreigners.
ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME FEEDING TIMES
Currently these are at 10.30am, 2.30pm, and 6.00pm for public viewing of feeding. Always check with your local accommodation, as these times can be changed.
VIEWING THE ELEPHANTS AS THEY ARE FED
Behind a barrier are three rows for sitting, and a standing area at the back, all shaded from the sun. From here, you can watch the elephants ambling along, and get a great view of the feeding station.
TOP TIP: You get a really good view standing at the back. Be warned though, hold your position, as late comers will try and squeeze into your spot!
At feeding time, a keeper begins guiding the elephants into the compound. Very quickly things become very lively, as the calves start running towards the feeding station, charging towards the milk.
The milk is delivered through plastic hoses with attached funnels. This is accompanied by trumpeting, and stamping as the baby elephants act like petulant children. One or two of them will try to sneak back in the queue for a second round!
When they have had their milk ration, they are encouraged to move along, and can enjoy greenery, and other dry food in containers. This continues as the next set of elephants charge forward for their milk.
This feeding ritual is a recurring job 365 days a year.
WHAT ARE THE ELEPHANTS FED?
Calves are generally given human baby milk formulas, however adapting the calves to powdered milk requires patience. Elephants can develop a milk intolerance or become ill with digestive problems. In these cases, they are fed with special mixtures of soy milk, rice broth or a rehydration solution.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AT THE ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME
Work is ongoing to improve the transit home for visitors, with a museum, modern washrooms, and exhibitions.
- Be sure to read the information displays to learn about the elephants, and their ancestors.
- The large skeleton of an elephant named “Sandagiriya” is on display.
He was shot several times due to wandering into local farmlands in search of food. Although he received treatment each time, he unfortunately succumbed to infection. There is still a bullet lodged in his left front leg.
FAQ’S ABOUT THE ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME
1. HOW ARE NEWLY ARRIVED CALVES CARED FOR?
Upon arrival at the transit home, the rehabilitation program begins which involves intensive healthcare. Calves are then introduced to a rehabilitating herd while receiving milk feedings. At feeding times, they gather voluntarily displaying natural instincts.
They can grow and gain freedom to live in the wild with limited human interaction. After 5-7 years they have the essential skills to be released into the wild, usually in a small group with other elephants.
Post release monitoring using GPS/VHF collars ensures a successful transition, and the elephants now have the chance to thrive independently in their natural habitat.
2. WHY ARE STICKS USED AT THE FEEDING STATION?
There is a balance to maintain between providing enough food for the calves and encouraging them to explore for their own food in the wild. When they gather, a social order is established, and sometimes elephants can fight over food.
The calves can continue to return to the feeding station wanting seconds, and thirds of milk. A sense of order must be maintained for everyone’s safety. On our visit, the caretakers pushed the calves from behind, but one or two simply turned around and tried to get more milk.
A gentle prod is generally all that’s required as staff do not want to use sticks.
3. WHAT’S THE REASON FOR MINIMAL CONTACT WITH THE ELEPHANT CALVES?
To help with their rehabilitation, contact between elephant calves, and humans is limited. It’s important to encourage their natural behaviours, and petting slows down their progress. The aim of the transit home is for the elephants to learn the skills they require to thrive in the wild and be part of their own elephant community.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT ETH
4. WHAT CAN VISITORS DO TO HELP THE ORPHANED BABY ELEPHANTS?
As a government-run facility, extra support through private organisations, and individuals are essential, and greatly received. Currently funds from entrance ticket sales, donations from elephant foster parents, and individual donations cover 70% of the home’s expenses.
Donations of milk powder were being accepted when we visited. Each day an elephant calf is provided with four milk packets. So, a donation can help fulfil the daily needs of either a single elephant calf, or the entire recovering herd.
A visit to the Elephant Transit Home is certainly a lively and fun occasion. We hope you include a visit here on your Sri Lankan trip. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
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