Pinnawala Zoo

The beginning of the Pinnawala Zoological Gardens

The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), one of the four recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

To protect these magnificent animals, the Department of Wildlife Conservation established the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on 16 February 1975 with just five orphaned calves—Kumari, Neela, Kadira, Vijaya, and Mathali. Its primary purpose was to provide care and shelter for elephant calves that had lost their mothers in the wild.

About Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

In 1982, the orphanage came under the administration of the Department of National Zoological Gardens, and over the decades, it has grown into a world-renowned institution. Today, Pinnawala is dedicated not only to the care of orphaned elephants but also to conservation and breeding, animal welfare, education, research, and responsible tourism.

A significant milestone was achieved in 1984, when the orphanage celebrated the birth of its first calf, Sukumali, born to Vijaya and Kumari. This marked the beginning of a successful breeding program, which has since recorded 76 captive births, including the historic birth of the first twin elephants in 2021.

Conservation & Future Responsibility

Set in a naturalistic environment that closely resembles their wild habitat, the elephants of Pinnawala continue to thrive. The orphanage plays a vital role in maintaining a conservation population of Sri Lankan elephants, ensuring that if the species ever disappears from the wild, Pinnawala will hold the responsibility of reintroducing elephants back to their natural habitats.

Butterfly Species

34 Species

Sri Lankan Birdwing

(Troides darsius)

Common Rose Swallowtail

(Pachliopta aristolochiae)

Ceylon Rose

(Pachliopta jophon)

Common Palmfly

(Elymnias hypermnestra)

Blue Mormon Swallowtail

(Papilio polymnestor)

Common Mormon Swallowtail

(Papilio polytes)

Lime Swallowtail

(Papilio demoleus)

Tail Jay

(Graphium doson)

Crimson Rose

(Pachliopta hector)

Chestnut Bob

(Iambrix salsala)

Oriental Straight Swift

(Parnara bada)

Indian Palm Bob

(Suastus gremius)

Glassy Tiger

(Parantica aglea)

Blue Tiger

(Tirumala limniace)

Common Leopard

(Phalanta phalantha)

Great Eggfly

(Hypolimnas bolina)

Lemon Pansy

(Junonia lemonias)

Peacock Pansy

(Junonia almana)

Common Sailer

(Neptis hylas)

Common Baron

(Euthalia aconthea)

Common Crow Butterfly

(Euploea core)

Common Line Blue

(Prosotas nora)

Red Pierrot

(Talicada nyseus)

Lemon Migrant

(Catopsilia pomona)

Common Jezebel

(Delias eucharis)

Black Prince

(Rohana parisatis)

Grey Pansy

(Junonia atlites)

Dark-branded Bushbrown

(Mycalesis mineus)

White Four Ring

(Ypthima ceylonica)

Psyche

(Leptosia nina)

Blue Bottle

(Graphium sarpedon)

Plain Tiger

(Danaus chrysippus)

Common Tiger

(Danaus genutia)

Common Grass Yellow

(Eurema hecabe)

Dragonfly Species

5 Species

Scarlet Skimmer

(Crocothemis servilia)

Brown-backed Red Marsh Hawk

(Orthetrum chrysis)

Slender Skimmer

(Orthetrum sabina)

Slender Blue Skimmer

(Orthetrum luzonicum)

Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk

(Orthetrum pruinosum)

Connection to Broader Goals

Revenue generated from these special programmes directly supports the zoo’s vital work in wildlife conservation, scientific research, and public education. By participating, visitors contribute to initiatives like breeding programmes for endangered species and habitat conservation, making their visit both enjoyable and meaningful.

Ticket Prices

Local Adults (Over 12)	Rs. 295.00
Local Children (Under 12)	Rs. 118.00
School Children (Group of 20+)	Rs. 59.00
Foreign Adults	USD 11.80
Foreign Children	USD 5.90
SAARC Foreign Adults (3 to 12 years)	USD 9.44
SAARC Foreign Children (3 to 12 years)	USD 4.72

Combined Tickets (Enjoy more with a single ticket! These tickets give you access to both the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Pinnawala Zoo, making your visit even more memorable.)

Foreign Adults	USD 20.00
Foreign Children	USD 10.00
SAARC Foreign Adults (3 to 12 years)	USD 10.00
SAARC Foreign Children (3 to 12 years)	USD 5.00

Special events ticket prices

Bird feeding	250 RS
Leopard feeding	250 RS
Herbivores feeding	200 RS
Take photos with reptiles	200 RS
Crocodile feeding	500 RS
Wedding photography	5000 RS
Buggy cart tickets	2000 RS
Garden for functions	5000 RS
Birthday celebrations (With animals)	7500 RS
Birthday celebrations (Without animals)	5000 RS
Education building for meetings	5000 RS

Special Programmes

1. Animal Feeding Sessions
These scheduled events provide exciting, up-close viewing opportunities and educate visitors about animal diets and behaviors.
• Leopard Feeding: A dramatic demonstration showcasing the power and agility of these big cats, conducted under expert supervision.
• Crocodile Feeding: An awe-inspiring session that reveals the feeding strategies and strength of these ancient reptiles.
• Herbivores Feeding: A gentle and interactive experience where visitors can feed deer and other grazing animals.
• Bird Feeding: A vibrant session where endemic and exotic birds flock to feed, creating excellent opportunities for observation and photography.

2. Interactive Animal Encounters
These programmes offer hands-on experiences to foster a deeper connection with wildlife.
• Pony Rides: A beloved activity for children, providing a safe and supervised introduction to horses and building early appreciation for animals.
• Take Photos with Reptiles: A guided encounter that allows visitors to safely interact with creatures like pythons and tortoises, helping to overcome fears and promote understanding

3. Venue Hire & Special Events
The zoo's natural settings provide a unique backdrop for private celebrations and functions.
• Wedding Photography: Couples can have their special photos taken amidst the scenic landscapes of the zoo.
• Birthday Celebrations & Garden Functions: The gardens are available for hosting events, offering a unique, nature-themed environment for parties and gatherings.

4. Visitor Amenities
This service is designed to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for all guests.
• Buggy Cart Tickets: A convenient transport option to navigate the expansive zoo grounds, ideal for families with young children, elderly visitors, and those with mobility needs.