Pinnawala Zoo

The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo is Sri Lanka’s first open-air zoo, which opened to the public in April 2015. The zoo, which is close to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, spans 44 acres and has been landscaped without compromising its natural beauty. Because Sri Lanka has such a diverse animal population, the zoo is divided into two sections: “Sri Lankan” and “World.” However, the zoo now houses a variety of native animals, including deer, leopards, crocodiles, monkeys, birds, turtles, and many others.

The Pinnawala zoo is home to the many endemic animals in Sri Lanka. The zoo is divided into 7 enclosures, where the Pet area, Swan pond, Deer enclosure, Crocodile enclosure, Leopard enclosure, Bear enclosure, and Butterfly garden.

The zoo’s “Sri Lankan” section will also include a special open section displaying the free-roaming Sri Lankan Leopard, which will be a stunning sight. The Sri Lankan Leopard is a leopard subspecies that is unique to the island and is one of the world’s most endangered species. Leopards are most commonly seen in dry evergreen monsoon forests, arid scrub jungles, rainforests, and low and upper highland forests. For a change, it will be interesting to see these predators at Pinnawala. The “World” section is said to be built to house a number of non-native animal species that are currently being studied.

The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo was proposed to be built in accordance with International Standards, and the authorities have taken steps to keep their promise so far. Visitors to the zoo will have access to a variety of amenities, including dining options and relaxation areas. Because it is adjacent to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, you can probably plan your vacation around it and visit both places in a single day.