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Leave zoo animals in peace, schoolchildren told

by Tharika Goonathilake

Zoo authorities yesterday appealed to visitors, especially schoolchildren to refrain from harassing animals and causing damage to benches and other ornamental objects at the zoo.

The appeal comes in the wake of increasing incidence of animal harassment as well as damage to zoo property due to unruly behaviour and pranks.

Zoo Authorities call on schoolteachers to educate student groups on good behaviour before they are brought to the zoo.

"The situation is really appalling. Some children pelt stones, throw leftover food into cages and agonise the animals no end. The situation is worse in areas where there are open enclosures," Zoo Director Brigadier H.A.N.D Perera told the Daily News yesterday.

According to him, there have been several instances where animal have swallowed and even eaten discarded food, cans and straws with dire consequences.

" We have display boards all over the zoo calling for animal friendly practices. Children too have been warned on several occasions to refrain from such activity, but the situation has gone from bad to worse," he said.

The Brigadier pointed out that it was humanly impossible for zoo workers to keep on eye on all visitors given the large numbers that visit the zoo. Around 50,000 including around 2,000-3,000 children visit the zoo daily.

" The numbers are even higher during the week ends. We cannot monitor all these groups," he said.

The Brigadier said that if the situation continues authorities will have to take severe action.

Teachers should keep an eye on the groups they accompany since this could lead to a serious situation both for animals and the children.

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