The mother, Surangi, gave birth to a male calf in 2009, and this is her second time. The father, 17-year-old Pandu, is one of 81 elephants cared for at the orphanage, which has been home to rescued wild elephants since 1975.
According to Renuka Bandaranaike, head of the orphanage, âBoth the calves and the mother are doing fine. The babies are relatively small, but healthy.â
Elephant expert Jayantha Jayewardene confirmed the rarity of the event: twin elephants born in captivity are extremely unusual, making this a historic moment for Sri Lankaâs wildlife.
Sri Lanka, where elephants are considered sacred by the majority Buddhist population, has recently strengthened protections for domestic and wild elephants. New laws require elephants to have identity cards and ban riders from drinking while working, with violators facing severe penalties, including having the elephant taken into state care or even imprisonment.
Despite these protections, challenges remain. Reports of elephant mistreatment and theft continue, and capturing wild elephants is still a criminal offense, though prosecutions are rare. Currently, Sri Lanka is home to about 200 domesticated elephants and an estimated 7,500 wild elephants.
The arrival of these twin calves is not just a joyous occasionâitâs a reminder of the importance of conservation and compassionate care for these majestic animals.