Manika

 

Manika: A Beloved Elephant

Manika, a female elephant once associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), is now a cherished resident of the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka. Known for her affectionate nature, she is one of the orphanage's most beloved inhabitants.

Prior to her arrival at Pinnawela, Manika spent time at the Dehiwala National Zoological Park and the 514 Army Camp in Jaffna. During her time in the army camp, she was found in a children's park that had been under the control of the LTTE.

Manika's journey to Pinnawela was marked by resilience and adaptability. Despite her challenging past, she has thrived in her new environment. Her playful nature and strong bond with humans have made her a favorite among visitors and staff alike.

While Manika has resisted breeding efforts due to her unique physical characteristics, her presence at Pinnawela is invaluable. She serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the protection of these majestic creatures.

Elephants and Their Burial Rituals

Ancient tales have long spoken of the peculiar and fascinating stories surrounding elephants. Among these tales, today we delve into a specific ritual associated with elephants: their unique death ceremonies.

According to ancient elephant lore, elephants exhibit a remarkable behavior when a member of their herd passes away. They are said to circle the deceased, touching the body, and even assisting in covering the body with leaves and branches.

Some Asian elephants follow a different practice when burying their young. They are known to carry their deceased calves to small pits in the earth. African elephants, on the other hand, have been observed returning to the burial sites of their fallen comrades.

A 1977 study in the Journal of Drug Issues revealed that elephants face the moon, raise branches, and walk in circles around it. This finding aligns with ancient records, including those of the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder.

It is believed that elephants journey to rivers to perform purification rituals. They are said to splash water and pay homage to the moon.

Undoubtedly, elephants exhibit a unique set of behaviors. The animal kingdom is filled with mysteries that surpass our understanding.

The actions of elephants cannot be taken lightly. There may be hidden meanings within these behaviors. By understanding these different behavioral patterns, we may be able to uncover many predictions.