National Zoological Gardens - Dehiwala

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Established in 1936, Dehiwala Zoo is one of Asia’s oldest and most diverse wildlife hubs. This 23-acre sanctuary houses over 2,500 animals across 350 species. Highlights include a walk-through aviary, a vibrant marine aquarium, and a butterfly garden, all set within lush, meticulously landscaped tropical greenery.

Dehiwala Zoo—Opening Hours

Description	Details
Open Days	365 days of the year including public holidays and poya days
Monday – Sunday	8.30 AM – 6.00 PM (The ticket counter closes at 5 PM.)

Dehiwala Zoo—Ticket Prices / Entrance Fees (2025)

Description (an 18% tax will be added to the ticket price)	Price per Head
Foreign – Adult	USD 15.00
Foreign – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 7.50
Foreign (SAARC) – Adult	USD 10.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 5.00
Local – Adult	LKR 250
Local – Children (3-12 Years)	LKR 100

The Origins of the Dehiwala Zoo

The establishment of the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwala, commonly known as the Dehiwala Zoo, can be traced back to the pioneering efforts of two German brothers—John Hagenbeck and his much younger brother, Carl. It was John who laid the foundation for what would become one of Sri Lanka’s premier zoological attractions. In the early 1900s, he purchased two and a half acres of land in Dehiwala to create a private animal collection and holding center.

Initially, this facility served as a transit point for wild animals captured in Sri Lanka before being shipped to Europe, a trade that John had been engaged in for over six decades.

From Private Venture to National Institution

The transformation of the private collection into a formal zoo occurred in 1936, when the Sri Lankan government took over the property. Since then, the zoo’s mission has shifted to focus on conservation, animal welfare, captive breeding, research, and education.

John Hagenbeck’s connection to Sri Lanka dated back to 1886, when he first arrived on the island at the age of twenty. An enterprising businessman, he was involved in various ventures—from owning plantations that grew tea, coffee, and cocoa to operating as a ship chandler. Interestingly, the Hagenbeck name still appears on tea tins bearing the tiger emblem—a subtle legacy of his presence in the region.

In addition to his commercial activities, John was a passionate animal trader. He supplied exotic animals to his brother Carl, who would go on to establish the renowned Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, Germany, in 1907—one of the first zoos in the world to use open enclosures rather than cages.

During World War I, John’s property in Ceylon was confiscated. Though he returned to Colombo after the war and resumed his work, he tragically died in an internment camp shortly after the outbreak of World War II.

Evolution of the Zoo

After the government acquired the zoo in 1936, it was placed under the supervision of the Government Agent of Colombo and later became an autonomous department in 1946. Under its first official director, Aubrey Weinman, the zoo saw significant expansion. Enclosures were constructed to accommodate a growing number of animal species, and a new era of entertainment-based attractions began, including the famous elephant performances and the ever-popular chimpanzee tea parties—both of which continue to entertain visitors today.

A Green Haven in the City

Located just 10 kilometers from Colombo Fort, the 26-acre Dehiwala Zoo is beautifully landscaped with gardens, orchid displays, fountains, lakes, and a wide variety of tropical flora. The zoo currently houses over 2,000 animals, representing an impressive diversity of life forms.

Visitors can encounter 50 species of fish, 93 species of birds, 33 types of reptiles, and 85 different mammals. Among the zoo’s residents are elephants, sloth bears, leopards, civets, several species of wild cats, lizards, crocodiles, snakes, lions, tigers, jaguars, and black panthers. The zoo is also home to exotic creatures such as hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, giraffes, kangaroos, and penguins. Colorful macaws, capuchin monkeys, African lions, and even endemic Sri Lankan species have found refuge here.

Modern Additions and Educational Role

The zoo continues to evolve with time. Recent additions include a museum and a live reef tank that allows visitors to observe marine life in naturalistic settings. These features have enhanced the educational value of the zoo, making it more than just a recreational destination.

The Dehiwala Zoo now functions as the main zoological institution in Sri Lanka and is a major tourist attraction, welcoming over 1.2 million visitors annually. It serves both educational and recreational purposes, catering to children and adults alike.

A Nearby Gem: Subodharamaya Temple

Just a short distance from the zoo lies another local treasure—the tranquil Buddhist Subodharamaya Temple. This peaceful retreat in the bustling suburb is home to a unique reclining Buddha, often referred to as the Buddha with the Sapphire Eyes. The temple offers a serene contrast to the energetic atmosphere of the zoo and is well worth a visit.

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