Sri Lanka's first open-air zoo, where animals roam in large landscaped enclosures mimicking their natural habitats.

Overview

The Pinnawala Open Zoo spreads across around 44 acres of landscaped grounds in the Kegalle District, designed so that animals live in spacious, naturalistic enclosures rather than cages. Visitors follow trails past deer, big cats, birds and other species in settings meant to echo their wild habitats, with a focus on conservation and education. It is an easy add-on to a Pinnawala elephant visit and a good option for families.

History

Opened to the public in April 2015, Pinnawala Open Zoo was the first open-air zoo in Sri Lanka, developed by the Department of National Zoological Gardens with the aim of combining conservation, education and eco-tourism.