I am writing this review wanting to dissuade any potential volunteers or visitors from coming to Millennium Elephant Foundation. It is a definite and thorough waste of your time and your money, so I hope you heed my advice and take your business elsewhere. There are several worthwhile organizations to support in Sri Lanka…MEF isn’t one of them. I arrived... More

Was taken here by my driver/guide from Magical Island Holidays. I should have known better. It is expensive, the staff are rude, they demand tip money, and the animals don't appear to be well treated. The "museum" is just a couple of sign boards, the staff are still pleasant at this point in the visit, then elephant ride... Was to... More

hi my name is joe i am 35 years old i booked to volunteer here with a company called i to i witch is owned by thomson holidays.i thought it was a sancturee. i was there for two months these elephants are totaly exploited they work seven days a week from around 7am till 6pm giving rides all day.. when... More

Having read the disappointing reviews, since I got back, I can only think that these people are not "animal people" This was one of the most brilliant experiences of my life ( and I am VERY old ! ) I found the museum and information kiosk very interesting. I was delighted to hear that the only way you can ride... More

We went to the Millenium Fundation because we thought the aim was better than at Pinnawella and we hoped we would live a great experience with the elephants. But it was the most wasting money and disappointing visit in Sri Lanka : it is very expensive, you don't get what you pay for, and the mahouts are only interested by... More

I worked as a volunteer here for a month. I really expected these elephants to be roaming free, but they are chained up all day. The only time they are not is when they are being bathed or tourists are riding them. Don't be fooled that this "charity" spends all of its money on the elephants. The owner has a... More

I just got back from this so its fresh on my mind. First we drove to the Elephant orphanage....everyday at 12noon the elephants cross from the river to the orphanage across the road...its a great way to see quite a few elephants without actually having to pay to go in the orphanage. After that we drove to the Foundation. The... More

Its difficult to grade this attraction. The interaction with the elephants its amazing but at what price!?! The tickets are expensive with prices starting at 2000, 3000 and 5000 Sri Lankan Rupees. Plus the constant scam of asking you for tips for use of the camera or breathing. The elephants are so nice and to ride with them and to... More

I visited here after reading bad reviews of the Pinnewalla Orphanage. On arrival I felt happy with my choice as it felt smaller (only 8 elephants) and less touristy / busy. But as the trip continued I did start to question whether it was ethically right and at times felt uncomfortable and like they were exploiting the animals for money... More