Fonds LK-NA/358 - Department of National Zoological

The Department of National Zoological Gardens in Sri Lanka is situated at Dehiwala, about 9 kilometers South of Colombo City. The zoo is fully financed and maintained by the state for educational, recreational and aesthetic value. The Dehiwala zoo has a representative col1ection of fauna: animals, birds, reptiles and fishes spreading out on 52 acres of undulating lands.
The history of the zoo dates from 3rd July, 1936 when as a 9 acre animal holding area it was officially taken over by the then Government from a foreign owned private company. Major H.N Weinman who spearheaded the agitation for autonomy became the first Director in 1954. From there onwards it was a case of steady development and by the time major Weinman in 1962 it had a 42 acre zoological park.
The zoo also has its own farm at Ratmalana, where 60 per cent of its requirement of animal fodder is cultivated
'Min Medura' which forms part of the Zoological Gardens display large and small tropical fish in tanks designed to stimulate the National Habitat of the fish.
The other highlight of the zoo is the reptile where many indigenous and exotic reptiles are housed in large enclosures depicting their natural habitat. The student guide scheme under the sponsorship of the zoo, has senior students of schools in the city and the suburbs, who are trained as guides to school children
It also has an auditorium cum library fully equipped with usual teaching aids.