Island Elephants Amid A Crisis
An elephant is walking on the island in Parakrama Lake, in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. In the heart of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, a small island within the tranquil expanse of Parakrama Lake is serving as a sanctuary that dates back to 386 AD. It has become an unexpected haven for a group of wild elephants that are escaping the crisis gripping their homeland.
These majestic creatures, originating from a nearby reserve, are embarking on a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The Parakrama Lake, with its network of interconnected reservoirs, is offering not only pure water but also a wealth of food, creating an idyllic refuge for these elephants amidst the challenges faced by their species.
With an alarming crisis in Sri Lanka, where 433 elephants lost their lives in 2022 and 474 in 2023, the island is serving as a beacon of hope. The fishermen, recognizing the vulnerability of these gentle giants, are standing as guardians, e
- Product Code
- ILEA002176260
- Registered date
- 2024/1/13 00:00:00
- Credit
- NurPhoto / Kyodo News Images
- Media source
- Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto
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- 6000 × 4000 pixel
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