Dehiwala Zoo animal enclosure Sri Lanka

Dehiwala Zoo – A zoo full of beautiful animals

Dehiwala Zoo – A zoo full of beautiful animals

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

The Dehiwala Zoo, officially known as the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, is a large and historic zoo in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia (near Colombo), known for its diverse collection of animals and lush, landscaped gardens.

  • Historical and Pioneering Origins: The zoo’s history dates back to 1927–1936. It was established by the British colonial government with initial animal collections influenced by European zoos, but not founded by the Hagenbeck brothers (that refers to the Hamburg Zoo in Germany).
  • One of Asia’s Oldest Zoos: Established as a national institution in 1936, it is one of the oldest and largest zoological gardens in Asia. It has a long history of displaying a wide range of fauna.
  • Focus on Conservation: The zoo’s modern mission is focused on conservation and education. It runs captive breeding programs for rare and endangered species.
  • Diverse Wildlife Collection: The zoo has a vast collection of animals from around the world. It houses over 72 mammals, 65 birds, and various reptiles, fish, and amphibians.
  • Unique Exhibits and Features: The zoo has a butterfly garden with controlled temperatures. It also has a walk-through aviary, a reptile house, and an aquarium.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Paid

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Colombo

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

Exotic animals at Dehiwala Zoo Colombo
Dehiwala Zoo famous tourist attraction Sri Lanka
Wildlife exhibits at Dehiwala Zoo Sri Lanka
Popular family destination Dehiwala Zoo Colombo

Guidelines

Show Timings : Plan your visit around daily shows such as the sea lion or elephant performances for the best experience. Visitor Safety : Stay on designated paths, supervise children closely, and follow zoo staff instructions at all times. Animal Respect : Do not feed, touch, or tease the animals. Follow the signs and keep a safe distance from enclosures.