Number of Images: 1; Color: Black and White; Size: 10" w x 6.9" h; Type of Image: Group, candid; Medium: 35mm negative
Type:
Group, candid
Photographic print
Place:
Sri Lanka
Date:
April 2, 1977
Category:
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Notes:
This image is part of the OPS 77-4014 series that documents the ceremony for Shanthi's arrival.
Summary:
Donation of elephant "Shanthi" to the National Zoological Park (NZP) by the people of Sri Lanka to commemorate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution took place in the Elephant House on April 2, 1977. Miss Punitha Gunaratne, the eight year old daughter of embassy official Wijaya Gunaratne, presents the elephant to Amy Carter, the nine year old daughter of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, who accepted her on behalf of the United States. First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Zoo Director Dr. Theodore H. Reed are standing behind the girls. Zoo Keeper Al Perry can be seen to the right of the young female elephant. In the rear, Assistant Secretary David Challinor stands with three women, the tall woman to the right is probably his wife, Joan Challinor, and a giraffe can be seen in the background. Visitors are visible to the right, including children, and photographers are working in the foreground of the picture.