Are rescued elephants released back into the wild?

Yes. Bringing rehabilitated elephants back into places that fit their needs is a main goal of the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. When calves are rescued, trained staff provide care. The wildlife specialists decide when each calf is ready to go back to the wild.

How long rehab takes is not the same for every elephant. It can depend on health, age, and growth. Behaviour also matters. After that, the release call is made by the wildlife authorities in charge. So, one rescue does not always mean the same recovery timeline for all.