About Us
Department of National Zoological Gardens
Welcome to the Department of National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, the nation’s leading authority on ex -situ conservation, education, research, and tourism.
Our mission is to safeguard animal biodiversity while inspiring public learning and engagement. We manage a network of premier zoological and conservation facilities, built to prioritize animal welfare, scientific research, and conservation breeding. By implementing modern zoological practices and creating naturalistic habitats, we protect endangered species and foster deep environmental awareness.
Dehiwala National Zoo
A historic metropolitan zoo hosting a rich, diverse collection of global wildlife.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
A world-renowned sanctuary dedicated to the care, protection, and captive breeding of Asian elephants.
Pinnawala Zoological Gardens
Sri Lanka's first open-concept zoo, emphasizing immersive, natural spaces for native wildlife
Ridiyagama Safari Park
A massive, expansive safari park where animals roam freely across large, natural ecosystems.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To become an institution that maintains the best Zoological Gardens in the world
Mission
Being concurrent with the new zoological gardens concepts, while adopting attractive techniques and proficiencies, providing habitats under accepted rules and regulations as well as with maximum protection exhibiting a healthy collection of animals
Objectives
Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity
Animal welfare
Education and enhancement of subject-related knowledge
Research and development
Following sustainable practices
Community participation
Enhancing visitor experience
Standardization and improvement
Director General's Message
"As the premier institution dedicated to ex-situ wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and biodiversity protection in Sri Lanka, the Department of National Zoological Gardens continues to carry out its responsibilities with commitment, professionalism, and integrity.
Strengthening educational, research, and conservation programmes related to wildlife, while ensuring the protection and sustainable care of these animals for future generations, remains one of our foremost objectives.
In addition, the Department is committed to providing recreation, relaxation, and mental well-being to visitors through meaningful zoological experiences. We also strive to foster compassion and awareness towards animals among people of all ages, thereby encouraging a socially responsible attitude towards wildlife protection and conservation.
Through the successful achievement of these goals, we aspire to transform our vision of becoming the finest zoological garden network in South Asia into a reality."
Dr. R C Rajapaksa
Director General — Department of National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka
Department of National
Zoological Gardens
120 Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha,
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka
Mon – Sun: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Recent News
පින්නවලට වසර 51යි
Feb 16,2026
78 වැනි ජාතික නිදහස් දිනය
Feb 04,2026
පාසල් ළමා චිත්ර තරගය – 2026
Mar 11,2026