Wild elephants in Sri Lanka

Seeing wild elephants roaming around their natural habitat is a truly special sight, and Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to experience this. Over 6,000 Sri Lankan elephants call the island home, and you’ll find them in national parks marching across grasslands, chomping on trees and bathing in rivers.  

The Sri Lankan elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years.

Living places

• Udawalawe National Park

• Minneriya National Park

• Yala National Park

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