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Island Elephants Amid A Crisis

An elephant is drinking water from the 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 for a group of wild elephants. These elephants, originating from a nearby reserve, are swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The Parakrama Lake, with its interconnected reservoirs, is providing not only pure water but also a wealth of food, creating an idyllic refuge for the elephants amidst the challenges their species is facing. With 433 elephants having lost their lives in 2022 and 474 in 2023, the crisis in Sri Lanka is alarming, and the island is acting as a beacon of hope. Fishermen are recognizing the vulnerability of these gentle giants and are standing as guardians to ensure their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is offering a lifeline to the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, maintaining a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the somber statistics of elephant deaths, this story is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between humans and wildlife, providing a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#10910439
Date Taken	13 January 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2025 NurPhoto - Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

elephant Parakrama Lake Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka January 13 2024 sanctuary wild elephants crisis homeland reserve swimming journey interconnected reservoirs pure water food abundance refuge species challenges elephant deaths fishermen guardians protection vibrant community birds ecosystem resilience of nature coexistence man and wildlife harmony backdrop of crisis Thilina Kaluthotage NurPhoto 386 AD safety beacon of hope safe passage unique ecosystem resilience testament harmony prevails.

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