Young Sri Lankan elephants snuggle with their trunks to show affection and to play. (Photo by Norma Meyer)A magnificent Sri Lankan elephant chews grass in Kaudulla National Park. (Photo by Norma Meyer)As with all elephants, Sri Lankan pachyderm moms and their offspring have extremely loving and powerful bonds. (Photo by Norma Meyer)From July into September, Sri Lankan elephants famously congregate during “The Gathering” to drink and bathe in two man-made lakes. “Adults eat over 300 pounds a day,” my guide Suranga said, noting it’s rare for this Sri Lankan subspecies to have tusks.