Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH): A Sanctuary for Freedom

The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH), or Ath Athuru Sevana, is a vital conservation facility dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and ultimate release of orphaned and abandoned elephant calves back into the wild.

Unlike traditional orphanages that may permit close human interaction, the ETH operates with a strictly hands-off approach to minimize human contact. This ethical method ensures the calves retain their natural wild instincts, maximizing their chances of survival when they are eventually reintroduced to the vast Udawalawe National Park.

The ETH Mission: Rehabilitation and Release

• The Goal: The primary objective is to raise and rehabilitate calves, typically until they are around five years old, when they are strong and self-sufficient enough to be released into their natural habitat in groups.
• The Care: Calves are rescued from various parts of the island, often due to human-elephant conflict or accidents. They receive specialized veterinary attention, nourishment (including regular milk feedings), and a supportive environment where they bond with other orphans, learning crucial social skills.
• Success Story: Since its establishment in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, the ETH has successfully rehabilitated and released hundreds of elephants, making it one of the most successful rehabilitation programs in Asia.

Visitor Experience: Witnessing Ethical Conservation

Visitors can observe the adorable sight of the baby elephants during their scheduled milk feeding times from a designated viewing platform, ensuring no direct human interference.

• Feeding Times: The elephants are fed milk at regular intervals throughout the day. Public viewing is generally permitted daily at:
  • 9:00 AM
  • 12:00 PM (Noon)
  • 3:00 PM
  • 6:00 PM

Witness the herd of calves rush down to the feeding station—a truly heartwarming and ethical experience that supports the future of Sri Lanka’s magnificent wild elephant population.