Dehiwala Zoo
Welcome to Dehiwala Zoo
Sri Lanka’s Living Legacy of Wildlife Conservation Since 1936
A Living Heritage: History of Dehiwala Zoo
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Dehiwala Zoo stands as the country’s oldest and most recognized zoological institution, offering visitors an exciting opportunity to experience wildlife from around the world. Established with a strong commitment to animal care, conservation, and public education, the zoo continues to serve as a leading center for wildlife preservation and environmental awareness.
Home to a remarkable collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species, Dehiwala Zoo provides visitors with an engaging journey through diverse animal habitats. The zoo is especially known for its conservation breeding programs, educational activities, and close-up learning experiences that inspire visitors of all ages to appreciate the importance of protecting wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Today, Dehiwala Zoo remains one of Sri Lanka’s most popular family attractions, combining recreation, education, and conservation within a vibrant and visitor-friendly environment that welcomes thousands of local and international guests each year.
Home to a remarkable collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species, Dehiwala Zoo provides visitors with an engaging journey through diverse animal habitats. The zoo is especially known for its conservation breeding programs, educational activities, and close-up learning experiences that inspire visitors of all ages to appreciate the importance of protecting wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Today, Dehiwala Zoo remains one of Sri Lanka’s most popular family attractions, combining recreation, education, and conservation within a vibrant and visitor-friendly environment that welcomes thousands of local and international guests each year.
The Pride of Dehiwala Zoo
Bandula Barb
The endangered Pethia bandula, also known as the Bandula Barb, is a rare freshwater fish species endemic to Sri Lanka. It is found only in the Nikkaduwa stream in the Galapitamada area of the Sabaragamuwa Province, making it one of the country’s most geographically restricted fish species. Due to its extremely limited natural habitat, the species has gained significant attention among conservationists worldwide.
To ensure its survival, the Department of National Zoological Gardens and the Department of Wildlife Conservation jointly conduct specialized ex-situ conservation and captive breeding programmes. The Department of National Zoological Gardens has successfully expanded conservation efforts through scientific research on the species’ feeding patterns, breeding behavior, and population management.
Ongoing studies and conservation activities are carried out through the Aquarium Division of the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens under the supervision of the Director (Operations), supporting the protection of Sri Lanka’s unique freshwater biodiversity.
Ongoing studies and conservation activities are carried out through the Aquarium Division of the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens under the supervision of the Director (Operations), supporting the protection of Sri Lanka’s unique freshwater biodiversity.
Mammals
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Birds
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Reptiles
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Fish & Marine
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Ticket prices
| Local Children (Under 12) | Rs. 118.00 |
| Local Adults (Over 12) | Rs. 295.00 |
| School Children (Group of 20+) | Rs. 59.00 |
| Foreign Children | USD 8.85 |
| Foreign Adults | USD 17.70 |
| Foreign Children (SAARC) | USD 5.90 |
| Foreign Adults (SAARC) | USD 11.80 |
Special Programmes
Special encounter of Elephant Friends
Special encounter of Elephant Friends - 10.00 a.m.
Rs.7080/-
Park Rules & Regulations
Pet Animals / Musical Instruments
Do not bring any kind of pet animal to the zoo premises. Any noise producing instruments (Drums, Symbols, Whistles, JBL etc.) are not allowed at the premises.
Plastic & Polythene
Bringing plastic and polythene to the Zoo is strictly prohibited. Please discard your trash to the proper bins.
Smoking / Alcohol
Smoking, Alcoholic beverages and any type of narcotics are prohibited in the Zoo premises.
Safety First
Unauthorized contacts with Zoo animals may cause injury. Do not enter to the unauthorized areas and construction sites. No climbing on barriers or walls.
Animal Harassments & fine
If a visitor is found harassing an animal, they will face either eviction from the zoo or a fine determine by the severity of the incident.
Safety of Your Belongings
Always keep your belongings in your custody. Please do not leave them at public areas without any protection. Make sure your wallets, mobiles & other valuable items are secure when you are walking along the crowded pathways. The zoo will not be responsible for any goods lost.
Scammers / Unauthorized Guides
Do not give money to any person if you are not provided a guide service officially. The zoo will not take any responsibility in any adversity arisen in such a situation.
Animal Interaction Program
You can feed animals with our animal interaction program. No other feeding is allowed.
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
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