Dehiwala Zoo in Colombo

Dehiwala Zoo is one of the finest in Asia and its sprawling areas are home to a variety of animals and birds. Enjoy a fun-filled day at the zoo with your kids. All you need to do is just drive 6 miles from Colombo, south along the Galle Road, turn left at Allen Avenue, Dehiwala, and follow the signposts.

Features of Dehiwala Zoo in Colombo

  -   Dehiwala Zoo features several species of animals and birds in their natural habitat.
  -   You will be amazed to see the lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, giraffes and gorillas, all roaming freely. This is a sight you will not come across in too many zoos of the world.
  -   It is a sheer delight to watch the colorful storks fishing in the pond or screeching macaws fluffing their bright feathers.
  -   In the Reptile House, you will find a rare albino cobra and an enormous python. Watch out for the little tortoises taking rides on the backs of ferocious crocodiles. The zoo also has a huge number of primates including lemurs, tarsiers, monkeys and apes
  -   Don't miss the 500 varieties of marine life at the Mini Medura, a favorite with the kids who frolic around the fish tanks.
  -   Visit the Nocturnal House and watch creatures like owls and other animals in their natural habitat.
  -   The highlight of the zoo is the elephant circus which takes place daily at 5.15 p.m. with extra shows on Sunday and holidays at 3.15 p.m.
  -   The huge animals perform all sorts of antics. They stand on their heads, wiggle their backs to music, hop on one foot and even stand up on their hind legs.
  -   Watch the biggest of the elephants playing a soundless mouth organ and the other elephants skipping and trooping behind.
  -   The real excitement begins when an elephant places a foot on the mahout's stomach and lifts him by the head using its mouth.