Conservation efforts
Animal Welfare and Enrichment
The zoological garden is committed to maintaining high standards of animal welfare through proper care, nutrition, veterinary monitoring, and scientifically managed husbandry practices. Environmental enrichment programs are implemented to encourage natural behaviors and improve the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals living in captivity.
Naturalistic enclosures are designed to simulate native habitats while providing safe and stimulating environments for different species. Animal keepers regularly introduce enrichment activities such as puzzle feeders, sensory objects, and interactive elements to reduce stress and encourage activity. Continuous health assessments and behavioral observations are carried out to ensure the comfort and welfare of all animals. Through welfare-focused management practices, the zoological garden aims to provide ethical and sustainable care for every species under its protection.
Sustainable Farming for Healthy zoo
The Department of National Zoological Gardens operates several farms, including the Gonapala Farm, Kahapola Farm, and Diyagama Farm, to support the nutritional needs of animals under its care. These farms play a vital role in cultivating high-quality fodder grass, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective supply of animal feed for zoological institutions.
The Gonapala Farm, in particular, contributes significantly by cultivating high-yield, fast-growing grass varieties such as CO4 and CO5, enhancing feed production efficiency. This initiative reduces operational costs while ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, nutritious fodder. Through these efforts, the Department reinforces its strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and the provision of high-quality nutrition for all captive wildlife.
Caring for Animals Through
Advanced Veterinary Excellence
The Department of National Zoological Gardens is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of veterinary care and medical treatment for all animals under its protection. Through fully equipped Animal hospitals and specialized veterinary units, the Department provides continuous health monitoring, preventive healthcare, emergency treatment, and advanced medical support to promote animal health and welfare.
Protecting Animal Health and Welfare
Experienced veterinary professionals and animal care teams work collaboratively to safeguard the physical and psychological wellbeing of Animal. Regular health assessments, nutritional management, disease prevention programmes, and rehabilitation initiatives are carefully implemented to ensure safe, ethical, and compassionate care for every species.
Animals Rescue and Rehabilitation
The Department’s veterinary units play a vital role in the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and displaced animals. Scientifically managed recovery programmes and specialized veterinary attention support the restoration of animal health and natural behaviors, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing suitable animals back into their natural habitats whenever possible.
Supporting Conservation Through Veterinary Science
Veterinary services contribute significantly to ex - situ conservation, scientific research, and conservation breeding programmes conducted by the Department. Modern diagnostic techniques, reproductive management, and collaborative research initiatives strengthen efforts to protect endangered and vulnerable species while supporting long-term biodiversity conservation in Sri Lanka.
Excellence in Animal Healthcare
Supported by experienced veterinary professionals, modern facilities, and advanced treatment technologies, the Department’s Animal hospitals continue to enhance the standards of animal healthcare in Sri Lanka. Through dedicated veterinary expertise and sustainable animal management practices, the Department remains committed to conservation, education, animal welfare, and the protection of the nation’s valuable wildlife heritage for future generations.
Wildlife Nutrition and Dietary Management
1. Specialized Nutrition for Animal Wellbeing
The Nutrition Division of the Department of National Zoological Gardens plays a vital role in maintaining the health, wellbeing, and longevity of animals under its care. Scientifically planned diets are carefully prepared to meet the specific nutritional requirements of each species, ensuring balanced and healthy feeding practices.
2. Scientific Diet Planning and Feed Management
Experienced nutritionists, veterinarians, and animal care professionals work together to develop customized feeding programmes based on species, age, health condition, and natural feeding behavior. Continuous monitoring and nutritional assessments help maintain optimal animal health and welfare standards.
3. Supplying Fresh and High-Quality Animal Feed
The Department places strong emphasis on providing fresh, hygienic, and high-quality food for all animals. Dedicated farms operated under the Department cultivate nutritious fodder grass varieties and support a sustainable supply of natural feed for herbivorous species while maintaining cost-effective feed management practices.
4. Supporting Conservation Through Nutrition
Proper nutrition plays a key role in wildlife conservation, breeding success, disease prevention, and rehabilitation programmes. The Nutrition Division contributes significantly to conservation efforts by ensuring animals receive diets that support natural growth, reproduction, immunity, and behavioral enrichment.
5. Commitment to Excellence in Animal Nutrition
Through modern nutritional practices, scientific research, and sustainable feed management, the Department’s Nutrition Division continues to strengthen animal welfare standards across all zoological institutions. The Division remains committed to providing ethical, professional, and sustainable nutritional care for Sri Lanka’s valuable wildlife heritage.
Animal Nutrition and Animal Wellbeing
The Nutrition Division of the Department of National Zoological Gardens is dedicated to providing balanced, high-quality nutrition for all animals under its care. Scientifically planned diets are prepared according to the specific nutritional needs of each species, supporting animal health, growth, reproduction, and overall wellbeing. Veterinarians, nutritionists, and animal care professionals work together to ensure safe, hygienic, and sustainable feeding practices across all zoological institutions.
The Department also operates dedicated farms to cultivate fresh fodder and natural feed, contributing to sustainable animal nutrition and cost-effective feed management. Through modern nutritional practices and continuous monitoring, the Nutrition Division plays a vital role in strengthening animal welfare, conservation, and long-term wildlife care in 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
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