Yusri Mh

3.0

I recently visited Dehiwala Zoo and was little disappointed. Many animals enclosures were empty and some had only one. The ostriches horses and camels looked sick and elderly. I was also surprised to see no butterflies. The sea lion's place was particularly sad. As a popular spot for tourists, I expected better maintenance. While the tigers and jaguars seemed healthy, it's crucial to ensure all animals receive proper care. On a positive note, the new lion cubs were adorable! Overall, I'd love to see improvements in animal welfare and enclosure upkeep. Hope they get the care they deserve.

Chris Azzopardi MT

5.0

Dehiwala Zoological Gardens was a really fun visit and we had a great time there. The zoo is quite large and has a wide variety of animals, so there is always something interesting to see as you walk around. We saw a lot of different animals, including elephants, big cats, reptiles, birds, and many smaller mammals, and it was enjoyable to spend a few hours exploring the different sections. The bird areas and reptile houses were especially interesting, and the whole place felt like a good family-friendly attraction. Overall, we really loved the experience and would recommend it if you have some time in Colombo and want a relaxed, easy activity with lots of wildlife to see.

Sudila Buthsara

5.0

A Sanctuary of Sri Lankan Biodiversity Nestled in the vibrant suburb of Dehiwala, just south of Colombo, the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka—commonly known as Dehiwala Zoo—stands as one of Asia’s oldest and most cherished wildlife havens. Established in 1936, its roots trace back to the late 1920s when German entrepreneur John Hagenbeck created a private collection of native and exotic species. After the government acquired it following the liquidation of the Zoological Garden Company, the zoo officially opened in 1939, pioneering the “open zoo” concept in the region. Spanning 10.1 hectares of lush, landscaped grounds with shaded pathways, arched bridges, and a butterfly garden, Dehiwala Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 310 species. Visitors marvel at majestic Asian elephants, roaring lions, graceful giraffes, playful orangutans, and a dazzling array of birds, reptiles, and aquatic life. Iconic attractions include thrilling animal shows featuring elephants, sea lions, and chimpanzees, alongside a reptile house and walk-through aviaries. Beyond entertainment, the zoo plays a pivotal role in conservation and education. It runs breeding programs for endangered species like pygmy hippos and Bengal tigers, while fostering public awareness through interactive exhibits and school programs. As part of Sri Lanka’s Department of National Zoological Gardens, it draws millions of visitors yearly, blending recreation with environmental stewardship. In an era of habitat loss, Dehiwala Zoo remains a vital beacon of hope, inspiring generations to cherish and protect the natural world

Anuruddhika Erandi

4.0

We visited dehiwala zoo at evening. From the very begining at ticket counters, we received warm welcome and the staff was friendly and tickets were reasonable price. No rush was at the ticket counters at that time. There was zoo guide map near the entrance and it became easier to explore all animals in order with the help of arrows and numbers. Zoo staff takes good effort to take care of animals and to maintain the premises . Zoo has wide range of animal varieties including fish, birds, reptiles, butterflies. The elephants show and the sea lion show makes the journey unforgettable. Dehiwala zoo is a wonderfull experience both adults and children.

Ehsan Shokrani

4.0

It was a nice zoo, but the experience became truly wonderful when one of the on-site guides joined us. We visited most of the sections, and he took some really great photos of us. The experience of touching the monkeys' hands and, thanks to the guide's strong rapport with the animals, made this visit our most memorable one. The ticket price for tourists is 5,500 LKR, and the guide himself charged us an additional 7,000 LKR. I was happy to pay it because it made my zoo experience truly unique.