Elephant Transit Home Udawalawe: A Haven for Rescued Baby Elephants

Elephant Transit Home

Located in the heart of Southern Sri Lanka's Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) is a unique and groundbreaking conservation effort. It plays a vital role in protecting Sri Lanka's majestic elephant population.

I was fortunate to visit the Elephant Transit Home when taking part in the Southern MICE Expo 2024 tour of Southern Sri Lanka. When there I was fortunate to see one of the feedings sessions of the baby elephants. 

ETH Udawalawe was established in 1995 by the Sri Lankan government in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The facility was created to provide a safe haven for rescued baby elephants, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild.

Elephant Transit Home

The primary mission of ETH Udawalawe is to provide a temporary home for elephants that have been: rescued from human-wildlife conflict situations, orphaned or abandoned, injured or ill, or confiscated from illegal captivity. 

The facility aims to nurse these baby elephants back to health, both physically and emotionally, and eventually release them back into their natural habitat. 

ETH Udawalawe is a bustling facility, with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers working tirelessly to care for the resident elephants. Daily operations include: 

• feeding and nutrition - providing a balanced diet for the elephants, including fruits, vegetables, and hay. 
• medical care - monitoring and treating any medical conditions, with on-site veterinary facilities.
• enrichment activities - providing stimulation and exercise for the elephants, such as hiding food or creating mud pits. 
• socialization - encouraging social interaction among the elephants, to help them develop essential skills for survival in the wild. 

Elephant Transit Home

ETH Udawalawe plays a critical role in Sri Lanka's elephant conservation efforts. By providing a safe haven for rescued baby elephants, the facility helps to reduce human-wildlife conflict, protect elephant habitats and corridors, promote research and education, and support community engagement and outreach

The ultimate goal of ETH Udawalawe is to release the resident baby elephants back into the wild. The facility has a successful release program, with many elephants reintegrated into their natural habitats. The release process involves monitoring and preparation (assessing the elephants' readiness for release),  transportation (moving the elephants to the release site), acclimatisation (allowing the elephants to adjust to their new surroundings), and post-release monitoring (tracking the elephants' progress and ensuring their well-being).

Elephant Transit Home

ETH Udawalawe is a beacon of hope for Sri Lanka's majestic elephant population. This pioneering conservation effort has been a sanctuary for countless rescued elephants, providing them with a second chance at life. Through its tireless work, ETH Udawalawe has not only helped to protect these incredible creatures but has also raised awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to address human-wildlife conflict.

As I conclude this article, we are reminded of the power of compassion and dedication. The team at ETH Udawalawe, led by their unwavering commitment to elephant welfare, has created a truly unique and inspiring program. Their work serves as a model for conservation efforts worldwide and a testament to the impact that can be made when we come together to protect our planet's precious wildlife.

As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to support and amplify the vital work of ETH Udawalawe. By doing so, we can ensure the long-term survival of Sri Lanka's elephant population and the preservation of our planet's natural wonders. Let us join forces to protect these incredible creatures and the habitats they inhabit, for the benefit of all life on Earth.

Elephant Transit Home

Elephant Transit Home Udawalawe

Address: CRG8+MJF, C.P.D De Silva Rd, B427, Udawalawa, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 472 232 147
Hours: Closes 6 pm

Feeding Viewing: 3 times a day 
Established: 1995