The Ath Athuru Sevana (Elephant Transit Home) was established in 1995 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation at the Udawalawe National Park, focusing on the care and rehabilitation of orphaned baby elephants. Despite initial doubts, this initiative, led by Dr. Nandana Atapattu, has successfully grown into a world-renowned wild animal rehabilitation center, offering a safe haven for over 250 elephants.
Located on the western boundary of the 33,000-hectare Udawalawe National Park, ETH provides a vast, open space for the elephants to roam freely. The adjacent Udawalawe reservoir offers a dynamic environment, supporting both the calves and wild elephants that occasionally visit. The fluctuating water levels create a diverse habitat, essential for the elephants' natural development.
The first elephant calf, a one-year-old female named Komali, was brought to ETH after being found alone in the Meegalawa area of Anuradhapura District. Since then, ETH has cared for over 250 orphaned elephants, releasing them back to the wild at the age of five when they are capable of surviving independently in their natural habitat.
Feeding and healthcare are critical aspects of the rehabilitation process at ETH. The calves are fed a specially formulated milk, with individual care to address any health issues such as digestive problems or milk intolerance. Alternatives like soy milk, rice broth, or Jeevanee are provided when necessary. ETH operates year-round with feeding sessions every three hours. Visitors can watch the feeding times at 9 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
The primary mission of ETH is to prepare the elephants for life in the wild by minimizing human contact during their rehabilitation. This process encourages the calves to form bonds with each other, ensuring they are socially equipped for their release. After the release, the health and movement of the elephants are monitored to ensure their successful transition back into the wild.
