Specialised Elephant Milk Formula Introduced at Elephant Transit Home, Udawalawe to Strengthen Survival of Orphaned Calves

In a significant conservation collaboration, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), in partnership with the China Merchants Foundation (CMF) the philanthropic arm of the China Merchants Group, Hambantota International Port Group Private Limited (HIPG), and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), has successfully imported and delivered a specialised elephant milk formula to support orphaned elephant calves undergoing rehabilitation at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe.

The arrival of the milk formula marks the fulfilment of a commitment announced under the second phase of the partnership between HIPG, WNPS and the DWC, aimed at strengthening care for orphaned elephants while advancing broader efforts to mitigate Human–Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka.
For over two decades, the Elephant Transit Home has stood as one of the world's most successful elephant rewilding programmes, having rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 190 orphaned elephants back into the wild. Yet one of the greatest challenges faced by veterinarians has been the care of very young calves, particularly those under eight to ten weeks of age, whose nutritional needs differ significantly from those of older elephants.

Until now, orphaned calves have largely depended on modified human milk formulas. However, young elephants often struggle to digest these substitutes, leading to nutritional complications during the most vulnerable period of their lives.

The newly imported formula, produced by renowned Australian wildlife nutrition specialist Wombaroo, has been specifically developed to more closely replicate the nutritional profile of elephant mothers' milk. Rich in fatty acids, proteins and carbohydrates, while excluding certain micro-elements that can be difficult for young calves to process, the formula is expected to provide a more suitable nutritional foundation during the critical early stages of growth and development.

The introduction of the formula follows extensive consultation, research and testing by veterinarians attached to the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Elephant Transit Home, who explored global best practices before selecting the product.

Conservationists and wildlife veterinarians hope that the enhanced nutrition will significantly improve survival rates among the youngest orphaned calves while supporting healthier growth, stronger immune systems and improved long-term prospects for successful rewilding.

The initiative reflects a science-led approach to wildlife conservation, bringing together government expertise, conservation leadership and private-sector support to address a long-standing gap in orphaned elephant care.

Beyond supporting the Elephant Transit Home, the broader partnership between HIPG, WNPS and the DWC continues to invest in community education, farmer awareness programmes and practical interventions aimed at reducing Human–Elephant Conflict and fostering coexistence between people and wildlife.

The introduction of specialised elephant milk formula represents another important step forward in ensuring that Sri Lanka's orphaned elephants receive the best possible start in life—strengthening not only their chances of survival, but also the future of one of the nation's most iconic wildlife species.