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Zoological Gardens

The Colombo Zoo is a unique tourist destination in the world, situated inthe heart of the Colombo District of Sri Lanka and 9.5 kilometres from the Colombo city. The zoo is locally well known as Dehiwala Zoo.

The Colombo Zoo was started during the early years of the 20th century as a collecting depot for captured wild animals destined for the zoos of Europe.The zoo was taken over by the government in 1936 and made an autonomous department in 1946.

The Colombo Zoo is probably one of the few remaining places in the country where nature blends with a large variety of animal life. This is a place that excites both young and the old when they explore through gardens filled with beautiful birds, a variety of animals and lush greenery. It houses for 79 species of Mammals, 89 species of Birds, 31 species of Reptiles, 89 species of Fish, 3 families of Amphibians, and 30 species of Butterflies. The total number of animals lies between 2500 and 3000 including free-living birds.

Endangered animals like Black Rhinoceros, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Red Lechwe, Orangutan, Komodo Dragon etc., enrich the animal collection.

Special Entertainment Opportunities

 -Pony Ride for Children

 -Animal performance (daily)

 - Sea Lion feeding time: 04.00 p.m.

 - Elephant performance: 04.30 p.m.

Volunteer Programmes

Volunteers are provided with an opportunity to work in the
Colombo Zoo at a fee cost. Programme fee is in US $ and it depends on the duration of the programme.
(Contact: zoosl@sltnet.lk) The Colombo Zoo is open from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on all days of the year.