More attractions at zoo

The Dehiwala Zoological Gardens is being modernised and developed with added attractions in view of the tourist and December school holiday season.

This follows a directive issued by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa during an inspection tour of the gardens recently.

Under this program paving and beautification of the internal road network and the gardens is now being undertaken to enable visitors to view the animals comfortably.

The entrance gates are also being rehabilitated while a car park and two new canteens are put in place for the convenience of visitors.

The animal cages are also being redesigned with added space for the animals in keeping with international standards, said a communique issued by the Economic Development Ministry.

Training program for gardens staff is also in progress as part of this program. The communique added that special programs have been organised daily until January 2 to attract schoolchildren during the school holidays.

These include items by cat family mammals show from 3 to 3.20 pm daily, Elephant dances from 4.30 to 4.45 pm daily, program on serpents from 2.30 to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday and a bird festival from 11.30 am to noon on weekends.