About Us

The Millennium Elephant Foundation is situated on a 15 acre estate known as Samaragiri, which has been home to the Samarasinghe family for many generations. The family has owned elephants since the 1960's and in 1979 Mr. Samarasinghe (1939 - 1991) opened the estate to the public as the "Elephant Bath". Currently the MEF is home to 5 cow (female) elephants. The youngest, Pooja was the first captive elephant to be bred in Sri Lanka, born in 1984. It is estimated that the MEF grounds have a total holding capacity of 10-15 female elephants; of course consideration can be given to male elephants if necessary. In an effort to increase awareness and generate the funds needed for the maintenance and care of our elephants, the MEF actively welcomes visitors and encourages one to one interaction with them.

MEF 2000 and Beyond

At the turn of the 20th Century, there were more than 12,000 elephants in the jungles of Sri Lanka. Now it is estimated that there are only between 2,500 and 2,800 and 192 elephants living in domesticity. The Millennium Elephant Foundation seeks to promote and improve elephant welfare in Sri Lanka by encouraging the conservation of Sri Lanka's threatened elephant population and compassionate elephant ownership. We hope to do this by raising awareness of the elephant's struggle; offering medical help / assistance and promoting education relating to elephant welfare, not only in Sri Lanka but around the world.

The Millennium Elephant Foundation believes good welfare standards are possible for all captive elephants in Sri Lanka. Our project '2000 and Beyond' aims to promote this through good health, compassionate ownership and education.

Objectives

The MEF has developed project "2000 and beyond" with the aim to promote conservation through the following key areas:

· Good Health

The MEF and WSPA have worked closely together to develop the first Mobile Veterinary Unit in Sri Lanka. The unit travels through out Sri Lanka administering treatment to any needy elephant.

· Compassionate Ownership

At the MEF we believe that the elephant owners are ultimately responsible for the welfare of their animals. Therefore we want owners to unite and help to create a "Compassionate Ownership Charter" to aid the conservation of these revered and most wonderful creatures.

· Education

At the MEF we believe that education holds the key to sustaining and developing the well being of the Sri Lankan elephant. Through our Volunteer Project we hope to develop outreach education programs aimed at those who work, own or live around the elephants. Further plans are in the pipeline to develop a study facility linked to the Veterinary faculty at the University of Peradeniya.

· Entrance Fee

In the past the MEF has received some financial support from WSPA. This was primarily used to establish our Mobile Veterinary Unit and assist with veterinary costs. Now the MEF relies on the support of its members and voluntary contributions to continue with its ongoing work. When you visit the MEF, you come with the knowledge that your entrance fee goes towards the daily running costs and upkeep of the elephants.

What we offer at the MEF

· Wash and feed the elephants
· For the adventurous you can take and elephant shower
· Elephant safaris around the estate
· Experienced multilingual guides are on hand to answer any questions you may have
· On-site museum
· Refreshments and film
· Dining facilities both on-site at the deck overlooking the river where the elephants bath, or at the Club Concept restaurant located opposite the MEF
· Or just sit back and relax and spend as much time as you like watching the elephants


All activities here at the MEF are closely supervised to ensure visitor safety and to ensure no harm or stress is placed on the elephants. Not all elephants are owned by MEF and so the number of elephants housed at the Foundation can change throughout the year.

Education

When you visit the MEF you will be shown through our museum which is a compilation of displays produced by our volunteers. Amongst our exhibits there is information about our Mobile Veterinary Unit, Asian elephants, our elephants at MEF as well as a real life elephant skeleton. This is the only educational resource of its kind in Sri Lanka.

Media

We are very happy to accommodate film crews wishing to explore the issues surrounding elephants, and interact with the animals living here. We are able to stage-manage most scenarios for film and documentary makers.

Numerous journalists and authors wishing to learn more about the struggle facing elephants in Sri Lanka have come to the MEF for assistance.

Tourism

Of course, most people passing through the gates are tourists. We want people from all over the world to be able to enjoy the experience of interacting with our elephants in a way that is not detrimental or damaging.

On your visit

· You can experience an elephant shower
· Feed & wash the elephants
· Take a ride around the elephant bath
· Or spend as long as you like just watching them

All this at the cost of Rs.300 /= (including a guided tour)

At the MEF you will also find...