National Zoological Gardens

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka (also called Colombo Zoo or Dehiwala Zoo) is a zoological garden in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, founded in 1936. Its sprawling areas are host to a variety of animals and birds. The zoo exhibits animals but also places an emphasis on animal conservation and welfare, and education.

Dehiwala Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia. It has a substantial collection of worldwide animals. It is open all year long and can be reached by public transportation. Diversity of the zoo is indicated by the presence of an aquarium walk through aviary, reptile house, butterfly garden and many cages and enclosures.

The zoological garden has a small, but picturesque butterfly garden which is decorated with small shrubs, trees, creepers and small streams. The butterfly garden exhibits 30 species of butterflies with their all stages of life cycle for educational purposes. Dehiwala Zoo has been designed into a beautiful landscape of colorful flowers, foliage and water fountains, the zoological garden is probably one of the few remaining places in the country where nature blends with a large variety of animal life. The zoo has dense tree coverage and well landscaped gardens. To provide more natural habitats, some lawns of the Zoo have been converted into small forest patches which are rich in rare plants. Valuable medicinal plants are prominent among the trees in these patches.

The Animal Shows (Elephant Performance and Sea Lions' Performances) are the other attractions of the Zoo.

Elephant rides, Pony rides and souvenir shop are available facilities for the visitors.