CELEBRATE ASIAN ELEPHANTS!

The elephants are Shanthi and Kandula (baby)

Open Invitation to “Asian Elephant Day Celebrations - 2009”
10.00am - 4.00pm, Sat. 22nd August 2009 - National Zoo, Washington D.C.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington D.C., invites you to come celebrate Asian elephants and Sri Lankan culture at the National Zoo’s annual Asian Elephant Day on Saturday, Aug. 22nd at the National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20008.

Jointly sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution and the Embassy, the celebration aims to broaden understanding of the Smithsonian’s wildlife conservation efforts in Asia, with special emphasis on elephant conservation projects in Sri Lanka.

Watch the elephants as they are bathed, weighed, and trained to hold still for physical exams, weighing, and x-rays. Lots of staff and volunteers will be on hand to show you how it takes a whole zoo to care for elephants.

As in the past, the event will also promote Sri Lankan culture and tourism through dance performances, live music and the dissemination of tourist information and hot and iced Ceylon tea. The celebration will take place at the Sri Lanka Pavilion, located next to the Zoo's Elephant House.

The Embassy encourages you, your family and friends to join us for this festive occasion. Your presence will reinforce the strong ties between the United States and Sri Lanka.

For more information, please contact Mr N. Vithanage at the Embassy of Sri Lanka (Tel: 202 483 4025 – Ext 8114).

Additional information on Asian Elephant Day may also be found at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoological Park website and at The Washington Post website.