Elephants & People: In 1900 there were 12,000 elephants in Sri Lanka, now there are less than 4,000. With the human population swollen to 20 million there is increasing competition for resources. New agricultural areas are often set up within the elephants' traditional range, and the wandering grazers naturally turn to this source of food. Although a Buddhist, animal-loving country, the farmers respond to this threat to their crops - often by chasing off the perceived 'invaders' and sometimes by more aggressive means including firearms. This can lead to baby elephants, not yet weaned, being separated from their mother and their herd.

Elephants and Orphans: Every year around 30 orphans - baby elephants separated from their herd - are reported to the authorities. Many of these are found in the Northern and Eastern regions and face a long, gruelling drive to get to the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) at Udawalawe National Park. Once there, however, they get medical attention, food, shelter, and the companionship of other elephants at the park. And eventually, once they have grown up enough, they are returned to the wild in Udawalawe National Park. There are currently 32 elephants, between 3 weeks and 4 years old, at the facility.

Elephants and Born Free: Born Free believes that wildlife belongs in the wild, and the ETH is the only facility on Sri Lanka that is designed to return orphans to their natural home. The elephants living there are not exploited for tourism or for domestic uses - they are simply treated as well as the facilities allow until they are ready for release. This combination of welfare and conservation, maintaining the dignity of these beautiful animals, is what makes the ETH stand out as a prime candidate for Born Free's support.