‘The Gathering of Giants’ at Habarana
View(s):The Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with Cinnamon Nature Trails hosted the second annual ‘The Gathering of Giants’ event at Cinnamon Habarana Complex from August 9th to 11th, 2024, attracting wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers from around the world. The event, which centred around the awe-inspiring elephant gathering at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, offered attendees a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness and learn about one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.
The event kicked off with a series of statistically focused thought-provoking sessions led by distinguished conservation subject matter experts. Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, Dr. Prithviraj Fernando, and Rohan Pethiyagoda provided invaluable insights into the conservation challenges facing Sri Lanka’s wildlife, with a particular focus on the majestic Asian elephants. These experts, all highly respected in their fields, shared their knowledge and experiences along with the research they had conducted during the past few years, highlighting the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants from the threats of habitat loss and human-elephant conflict.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by renowned Indian conservationist and author Valmik Thapar. Thapar captivated the audience with an immersive storytelling experience, recounting the life of ‘Charger,’ a legendary tiger from Ranthambore National Park in India. His narration brought the wilderness of Ranthambore to life, offering a glimpse into the world of one of India’s most iconic big cats.
In addition to the insightful sessions, participants were guided through the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks to witness the great gathering of Asian Elephants, where they could directly observe and appreciate the intricate behaviours of the elephant gathering, deepening their understanding of the conservation efforts discussed by the experts. The sight of herds of elephants socialising, bathing, and feeding by the ancient Minneriya tank left attendees with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
The event concluded with a Gala Night dinner, where attendees celebrated the success of ‘The Gathering of Giants’ and reflected on the inspiring discussions and experiences shared over the three days. The evening was a fitting end to an event that not only raised awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation but also reinforced Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to promoting peaceful human-elephant coexistence.
Searching for that next furry family member but couldn’t find one in your area? Hitad.lk has the solution with our extensive listings of dogs for sale in Sri Lanka!