Pinnawala Zoo | AmazingLanka.com

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Located next to the famous Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala Zoological Gardens is Sri Lanka’s first open-air zoo, designed to let animals roam in spacious, natural habitats. From exotic birds to majestic mammals, it’s a family-friendly destination where wildlife and conservation come together.

Pinnawala Zoo—Opening Hours

Description	Details
Open Days	365 days of the year including public holidays and poya days
Monday – Sunday	8.30 AM – 5.30 PM (The ticket counter closes at 5 PM.)

Pinnawala Zoo—Ticket Prices / Entrance Fees (2025 Update)

Description (an 18% VAT will be added to the ticket price)	cost per Head
Foreign – Adult	USD 10.00
Foreign – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 5.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Adult	USD 8.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 4.00
Local – Adult	LKR 250
Local – Children (3-12 Years)	LKR 100
Local – School Children (Should be in school uniform and tickets should be bought as a group.)	LKR 50
Electric Golf Cart with Driver/Guide (approximately 1 hour)	LKR 2,000

Pinnawala Zoo + Elephant Orphanage—Combined Ticket Prices/Entrance Fees (2025 Update)

Description (an 18% VAT will be added to the ticket price)	cost per Head
Foreign – Adult	USD 20.00
Foreign – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 10.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Adult	USD 10.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 5.00

Nestled in the lush heartlands of Sri Lanka, just a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, lies another hidden gem waiting to be explored—Pinnawala Zoo, also known as Pinnawala Open Zoo. Unlike traditional zoos with concrete enclosures and cages, this modern zoological park is designed to be an immersive, open-air experience where animals roam in spacious, naturalistic habitats and visitors can connect more closely with nature.

Opened to the public in April 2015, Pinnawala Zoo is the first open-air zoo in Sri Lanka and was developed with the idea of combining conservation, education, and eco-tourism. Spread across 44 acres of beautifully landscaped terrain in the Kegalle District, this zoo provides an environment that mimics the natural habitats of the animals it houses—offering both comfort to the wildlife and an authentic experience for visitors.

The zoo is divided into two main zones: the Sri Lankan Zone and the World Zone. The Sri Lankan Zone focuses on the country’s native wildlife, such as leopards, deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a rich variety of endemic birds and reptiles. The World Zone, on the other hand, hosts animals from across the globe, including zebras, ostriches, camels, and exotic bird species.

What sets Pinnawala Zoo apart from conventional zoological gardens is its open concept design. The enclosures are thoughtfully created with dry moats, tree lines, and natural barriers instead of cages, giving animals more space to move freely and engage in instinctive behaviors. For visitors, this means fewer bars and more opportunities to see the animals behaving as they would in the wild.

Educational signage and guided tours help guests of all ages learn about the species, their habitats, and the threats they face in the wild. The zoo also promotes awareness about endangered species and the importance of conservation.

A Perfect Pairing: The Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Zoo is located right next to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a globally recognized sanctuary for orphaned and injured elephants. Many tourists choose to visit both attractions in one trip, making it a full day of wildlife encounters.

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