Editorial photo #9644538 Human Interest

Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens Of Sri Lanka

A greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) at Dehiwala Zoo on February 25, 2023 in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is a zoological garden in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, founded in 1936. It is home to various birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. The zoo not only exhibits animals from Sri Lanka but also species from across Asia and other parts of the globe. Currently, Dehiwala Zoo houses 72 species of mammals, 65 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles, 89 species of fish, 3 families of amphibians, and 30 species of butterflies, etc. The total number of animals varies from 2500 to 3000 due to breeding and free-living bird colonies. Dehiwala Zoo has become famous among visitors not only for its collection of local and exotic animals but also for its lush landscaping and lush greenery. The Zoo supports and promotes conservation by breeding certain rare and endangered species with proper animal welfare. Over 1.5 million local and foreign tourists visit the Zoo each year. And over 2000 students and groups of students from schools and universities visit the Zoo for educational purposes. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto)