Elephant Transit Home Guide
Witness Compassion: The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe Guide
The Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe is a heartwarming sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned elephant calves back into the wild. This unique facility provides a safe haven for these vulnerable animals, offering them the care and support they need to thrive. Visiting the ETH is a truly special experience, allowing you to witness the incredible work being done to protect Sri Lanka's elephant population. The ETH was established in 1995 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation with the support of the Born Free Foundation. Its primary mission is to rescue orphaned or injured elephant calves, often found abandoned or separated from their herds due to human-wildlife conflict. The calves are cared for by a dedicated team of veterinarians and keepers, who provide them with milk, food, and medical attention. The ultimate goal is to prepare the elephants for a successful return to their natural habitat in Udawalawe National Park. Visitors to the ETH can observe the elephants during their feeding times, which occur several times a day. From a designated viewing platform, you can watch as the calves eagerly line up to receive their milk bottles. It's a truly touching sight to see these young elephants being nurtured and cared for. While direct interaction with the elephants is not permitted to avoid habituation, the viewing experience provides a valuable opportunity to learn about elephant conservation and the challenges they face. While the ETH doesn't have a specific culinary tradition, the nearby town of Udawalawe offers local Sri Lankan cuisine, including rice and curry dishes with various vegetable and meat options.
Transportation
The Elephant Transit Home is located near Udawalawe National Park. The most common way to get there is by hiring a taxi or tuk-tuk from Udawalawe town. Many hotels and guesthouses in the area can also arrange transportation. If you are coming from further away, you can take a bus to Udawalawe and then hire local transport to the ETH.