Located in the central hills of Kegalle, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage just as the name suggests holds a unique disposition in the ex-situ animal care. This orphanage is a breeding sanctuary for rescued, injured, and abused wild elephants. Pinnawalla is known for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 96 elephants, including 43 males and 68females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala. Hence the orphanage has initiated to treat and look after the orphaned baby elephants, patriarchs and adult wild elephants that missed love, care and protection.