Millennium Elephant Foundation
A Sanctuary for Gentle Giants in Sri Lanka
Located in the lush greenery of Kegalle, Sri Lanka, the Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a renowned elephant welfare organization dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and conservation of domesticated elephants. Established in 1999, this sanctuary provides a humane and ethical environment for elephants that have been rescued from captivity, logging, or tourism-related exploitation. Unlike many elephant attractions, MEF focuses on promoting ethical elephant experiences, ensuring that visitors can interact with these magnificent animals in a responsible and respectful way.
What to Expect at Millennium Elephant Foundation
A visit to MEF offers a meaningful and educational experience, allowing visitors to interact with elephants in a non-exploitative and ethical manner. Unlike many traditional elephant attractions, MEF does not promote elephant rides but instead focuses on creating positive and natural interactions between visitors and elephants.
1. Elephant Walk Experience
One of the highlights at MEF is the Elephant Walk Experience, where visitors can walk alongside an elephant through scenic trails rather than riding on them. This unique program allows guests to observe the elephants’ natural behavior, learn about their individual stories, and understand their needs in a stress-free environment. Walking beside an elephant instead of riding them promotes responsible tourism and supports MEF’s welfare-first approach.
2. Feeding and Bathing Elephants
Visitors at MEF can hand-feed the elephants, offering them fresh fruit while learning about their dietary habits and nutritional needs. Additionally, the sanctuary provides a rare and rewarding opportunity to bathe an elephant in a natural river setting. During this experience, guests can help scrub the elephants while they enjoy splashing around in the cool water—a moment of joy for both the elephants and their caretakers.
3. Elephant Care and Conservation Awareness
MEF is committed to elephant conservation and education, offering programs that teach visitors about the challenges Asian elephants face, such as habitat loss, poaching, and unethical tourism practices. The foundation’s Elephant Welfare and Conservation Program aims to raise awareness about how responsible tourism can help protect these endangered creatures.
4. Volunteering Opportunities
For those who want a more immersive experience, MEF offers volunteer programs where individuals can spend weeks assisting in elephant care, helping with medical treatments, preparing food, and supporting the foundation’s conservation efforts. Volunteers gain hands-on experience while contributing to the well-being of these rescued elephants.
Best Time to Visit Millennium Elephant Foundation
MEF is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the morning or early afternoon, when the elephants are most active. Bathing and feeding experiences are scheduled throughout the day, allowing visitors to engage meaningfully with the elephants at any time.
Why Visit Millennium Elephant Foundation?
- Support ethical elephant tourism and responsible wildlife conservation.
- Experience personal and humane interactions with rescued elephants.
- Learn about elephant conservation and contribute to their welfare.
- Engage in unique activities such as elephant walks, feeding, and bathing.
- Contribute to a meaningful cause by volunteering or donating.
A visit to the Millennium Elephant Foundation is more than just an encounter with elephants—it is a chance to support ethical elephant care and conservation. By choosing to visit MEF, you are directly contributing to the welfare of rescued elephants and promoting responsible tourism in Sri Lanka.
Ticket Prices
50 $
All Adults (Full Package)
(12 Years & Above)