March 09, Colombo (LNW):A new breeding center has recently been inaugurated in Habarana, marking the first-ever dedicated facility in Sri Lanka aimed at breeding tame elephants. The primary objective is to bolster the country’s elephant population. Furthering these efforts, the Tame Elephant Association has embarked on an impactful initiative by establishing a private hospital. This facility is designed to provide comprehensive medical care to elephants, incorporating both local and Western medical treatments. Notably, this hospital will cater not only to the healthcare needs of tame elephants but also serve as a training ground for untrained elephant handlers, colloquially referred to as athgowwan, who will undergo professional mahout training. In contrast to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage, which does engage in some breeding activities, the newly opened breeding center stands as a pioneering establishment solely dedicated to the purpose of elephant breeding in the country. These groundbreaking initiatives reflect a concerted effort to ensure the well-being and growth of Sri Lanka’s elephant population.