"An elephant is drinking water from the Parakrama Lake in Pol..."

#10910439

13 January 2024

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.

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