Meet Mahali
The Inspiration Behind Arienti’s First Purpose-Driven Collection & Campaign
Her Rescue
This is the story of Mahali, a young elephant calf who was found wandering alone near a remote village in Hambegamuwa. Concerned villagers alerted the wildlife authorities, recognising that she was vulnerable without her herd. Mahali was safely brought to the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home, where she began her rehabilitation journey under watchful and expert care of the team there.
Today, she is being nurtured as part of a protected rehabilitation programme designed to give orphaned elephants the best possible chance to return to their natural habitat. Finally safe and sound, Mahali is often seen frolicking freely across the grassy areas of the Udawalawa National Park or catching a quick afternoon snooze under the shade of the swaying trees.
Get to Know Mahali Better…
- Age: 3⅓ years
- Sex: Female
- Rescue Location: Hambegamuwa, Thanamalvila
- Date of Rescue: 18 April 2023
- Current Care: Under rehabilitation at the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home
Why It Matters
The Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home focuses on:
- Caring for orphaned baby elephants affected by human–elephant conflict and other causes.
- Supporting the long-term health of Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population.
- Educating communities on conservation and coexistence.
Once rehabilitation is complete, elephants are released back into their natural habitat as a group, increasing their chances of survival in the wild.
A Safe & Nurturing Space
Currently living with a rehabilitating herd inside the Udawalawe National Park, Mahali loves playing and interacting with other young elephant calves. Growing fast, she is in good health and gets along well with the rest of her group.
Mahali’s daily routine includes milk feeds five times a day:
- 6:00 am
- 10:30 am
- 2:30 pm
- 6:00 pm
- 12:00 am (midnight)
She is expected to remain in rehabilitation for approximately another year and a half, as she learns to live independently within the herd.
Visit Mahali
Photography:
Visitors may take photographs during feeding times.
Progress Updates:
For updates on Mahali’s journey, please contact the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home office.
Credit & Usage
For any use of images or official material, please contact the Director – Health.
A Personality of Her Own
Mahali is known for her gentle and friendly nature. She has a distinctly motherly temperament and is especially kind to new arrivals within the herd, a quiet strength that makes her stand out. It is her unique personality that made her the natural choice to be the inspiration behind Arienti’s first purpose-driven collection and campaign.
A Collection With a Purpose
Inspired by Mahali’s journey of resilience and hope, the team at Arienti designed an exclusive collection crafted to touch the hearts of those who purchased the pieces. By integrating a way for customers to contribute meaningfully towards her wellbeing, with a percentage of profits going towards her rehabilitation, the Mahali collection reflects Arienti’s belief in the power of a business to do good.
Consisting of luxe pure linen, soft cotton fabrics, intricate detailing and the iconic Mahali motif, the pieces are part of the first limited-edition collection from Arienti’s Heritage series, designed for island living; breathable, easy and made to move.
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about Mahali. We at Arienti are honoured to support her journey back to the wild.
