Historic Birth of Twin Elephants at Pinnawala

On August 31, 2021, a remarkable event occurred at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka: the birth of twin baby elephants. This is a first in Sri Lankan history, as no twin elephants had been born in captivity in the country before. While a pair of twin elephants was born in Sri Lanka's Minneriya National Park in 2020, this is the first time it has happened in an orphanage setting.

Both of the newborn elephants are male. The first baby elephant arrived at 4:00 AM, and the second one followed at 12:00 PM. Both babies and their mother, Surangee, are in good health and thriving.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, is one of Sri Lanka's top tourist attractions. It serves as both a sanctuary and breeding ground for elephants. The orphanage is home to 93 elephants, from infants to adults, and provides a safe haven for injured, orphaned, or abandoned elephants from the wild.

Visitors to Sri Lanka can experience this historic moment by visiting the orphanage and meeting the newborn elephants. As the world’s largest captive herd of Sri Lankan elephants, Pinnawala is an essential destination for elephant lovers and anyone interested in conservation efforts. 

This unique refuge spans 23 acres, where elephants are cared for, socialized, and often welcomed into the herd after a short period of quarantine. Managed by the Department of National Zoological Gardens, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage plays a vital role in the protection and conservation of this majestic species.