Archives

Open enclosures for zoo elephants

by Tharika Goonathilake

The National Zoological Garden is exploring the possibility of establishing open enclosures for the zoo's elephants for the first time in its 65 year old history. A Rs 10 million, project proposal seeking expertise and funding has already been forwarded to the American Zoo Association, which has offered assistance to develop the national Zoo," Zoo Director Brigadier H.A.N.D Perera told the Daily News yesterday.

The open enclosure concept although new to Sri Lanka, is widely used by many zoos' overseas as opposed to the widely criticised method of chaining and caging wild animals on display.

"The idea behind open enclosures is to ensure a more jungle like atmosphere and freedom of movement for the animals. The elephants especially being large animals need more space to move around," the Director said.

He also said that animal rights groups and foreign visitors were very critical of the zoo's method of chaining elephants although this has been the practise in Sri Lanka for many years. The new move is aimed at providing `living space' for the zoo's nine elephants while displaying the animals in a more spacious atmosphere.

"We have already earmarked a one acre area within the zoo for this purpose and is awaiting further notification from the American Zoo Association," he said. Leading elephant expert Jayanatha Jayawardene cited the move as 'a very progressive step' on par with other international zoos.

"It will certainly take away a lot of stress normally brought to bear on the elephants as a result of being chained," he said.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager