"testament to resilience"

#10910459

13 January 2024

An elephant is walking on the island amidst a lot of birds in Parakrama Lake, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. In the heart of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, there is a small island within the tranquil expanse of Parakrama Lake. This sanctuary, dating back to 386 AD, has become an unexpected haven for a group of wild elephants escaping the crisis gripping their homeland. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures are embarking on a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The Parakrama Lake, a 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. Facing 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, ensuring their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is providing a lifeline for the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, creating a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the sombre statistics of elephant deaths, this tale is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between man and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis.

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#10910462

13 January 2024

An elephant is walking on the island amidst a lot of birds in Parakrama Lake, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. In the heart of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, there is a small island within the tranquil expanse of Parakrama Lake. This sanctuary, dating back to 386 AD, has become an unexpected haven for a group of wild elephants escaping the crisis gripping their homeland. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures are embarking on a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The Parakrama Lake, a 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. Facing 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, ensuring their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is providing a lifeline for the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, creating a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the sombre statistics of elephant deaths, this tale is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between man and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis.

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#10910464

13 January 2024

An elephant is walking on the island amidst a lot of birds in Parakrama Lake, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. In the heart of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, there is a small island within the tranquil expanse of Parakrama Lake. This sanctuary, dating back to 386 AD, has become an unexpected haven for a group of wild elephants escaping the crisis gripping their homeland. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures are embarking on a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The Parakrama Lake, a 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. Facing 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, ensuring their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is providing a lifeline for the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, creating a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the sombre statistics of elephant deaths, this tale is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between man and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis.

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#10910468

13 January 2024

A fisherman is riding a boat at 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. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures 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, ensuring their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is providing a lifeline for the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, creating a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the somber statistics of elephant deaths, this tale is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between man and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis.

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#10910474

13 January 2024

An elephant is walking on the island amidst a lot of birds in Parakrama Lake, in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. In the heart of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, there is a small island within the tranquil expanse of Parakrama Lake. This sanctuary, dating back to 386 AD, has become an unexpected haven for a group of wild elephants escaping the crisis gripping their homeland. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures are embarking on a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The Parakrama Lake, a 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. Facing 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, ensuring their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is providing a lifeline for the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, creating a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the somber statistics of elephant deaths, this tale is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between man and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis.

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#10910480

13 January 2024

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, ensuring their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is providing a lifeline for the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, creating a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the somber statistics of elephant deaths, this tale is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between man and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis.

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#10910481

13 January 2024

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, ensuring their safe passage and protection from harm. While the island is providing a lifeline for the elephants, it is also hosting a vibrant community of thousands of birds, creating a delicate balance between species in this unique ecosystem. Amidst the somber statistics of elephant deaths, this tale is unfolding as a testament to the resilience of nature and the coexistence between man and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails against the backdrop of crisis.

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#10910426

13 January 2024

Two elephants are swimming to a small island in the heart of Parakrama Lake in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures are making a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The interconnected reservoirs of Parakrama Lake provide 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 433 elephants having lost their lives in 2022 and 474 in 2023 in Sri Lanka, the island is a beacon of hope. Fishermen are acting as guardians, ensuring the elephants' safe passage and protection from harm.

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#10910429

13 January 2024

Two elephants are swimming to a small island in the heart of Parakrama Lake in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures are making a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The interconnected reservoirs of Parakrama Lake provide 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 433 elephants having lost their lives in 2022 and 474 in 2023 in Sri Lanka, the island is a beacon of hope. Fishermen are acting as guardians, ensuring the elephants' safe passage and protection from harm.

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#10910436

13 January 2024

Two elephants are swimming to a small island in the heart of Parakrama Lake in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on January 13, 2024. Originating from a nearby reserve, these majestic creatures are making a remarkable journey, swimming 2 kilometers across the lake to reach the safety and abundance of the island. The interconnected reservoirs of Parakrama Lake provide 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 433 elephants having lost their lives in 2022 and 474 in 2023 in Sri Lanka, the island is a beacon of hope. Fishermen are acting as guardians, ensuring the elephants' safe passage and protection from harm.

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#10290110

22 July 2023

JURGAICIAI, LITHUANIA - JULY 13, 2023: View of the awe-inspiring sight of the Hill of Crosses on July 13, 2023, in Jurgaiciai, Siauliai, Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses sacred pilgrimage site is adorned with an astounding array of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, and delicate effigies and rosaries. A testament to unwavering faith and a symbol of national resilience, this hill stands as a profound reflection of Lithuania's rich religious and historical heritage.

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#10290112

22 July 2023

JURGAICIAI, LITHUANIA - JULY 13, 2023: View of the awe-inspiring sight of the Hill of Crosses on July 13, 2023, in Jurgaiciai, Siauliai, Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses sacred pilgrimage site is adorned with an astounding array of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, and delicate effigies and rosaries. A testament to unwavering faith and a symbol of national resilience, this hill stands as a profound reflection of Lithuania's rich religious and historical heritage.

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#10290120

22 July 2023

JURGAICIAI, LITHUANIA - JULY 13, 2023: View of the awe-inspiring sight of the Hill of Crosses on July 13, 2023, in Jurgaiciai, Siauliai, Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses sacred pilgrimage site is adorned with an astounding array of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, and delicate effigies and rosaries. A testament to unwavering faith and a symbol of national resilience, this hill stands as a profound reflection of Lithuania's rich religious and historical heritage.

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#10290122

22 July 2023

JURGAICIAI, LITHUANIA - JULY 13, 2023: View of the awe-inspiring sight of the Hill of Crosses on July 13, 2023, in Jurgaiciai, Siauliai, Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses sacred pilgrimage site is adorned with an astounding array of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, and delicate effigies and rosaries. A testament to unwavering faith and a symbol of national resilience, this hill stands as a profound reflection of Lithuania's rich religious and historical heritage.

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#10290102

22 July 2023

JURGAICIAI, LITHUANIA - JULY 13, 2023: View of the awe-inspiring sight of the Hill of Crosses on July 13, 2023, in Jurgaiciai, Siauliai, Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses sacred pilgrimage site is adorned with an astounding array of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, and delicate effigies and rosaries. A testament to unwavering faith and a symbol of national resilience, this hill stands as a profound reflection of Lithuania's rich religious and historical heritage.

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#10290104

22 July 2023

JURGAICIAI, LITHUANIA - JULY 13, 2023: View of the awe-inspiring sight of the Hill of Crosses on July 13, 2023, in Jurgaiciai, Siauliai, Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses sacred pilgrimage site is adorned with an astounding array of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, and delicate effigies and rosaries. A testament to unwavering faith and a symbol of national resilience, this hill stands as a profound reflection of Lithuania's rich religious and historical heritage.

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