Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage Photo by Selva - Text by Siri
Even the names given to these magnificent beasts reflect this love between elephant and man. The tusker that carries the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha during the Kandy Esala Perahara has traditionally been named "Raja" ( King.) . His mate of course will be naturally named "Rani" (Queen). The first pair to become parents to a bonny baby elephant at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage were named Vijaya, and Kumari (princess). Vijaya, legend says, was the forefather of the Sinhala nation.

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