Pinnawala Zoo — Attraction in Sri Lanka

Pinnawala Zoo: A First-Timer's Delightful Discovery Having heard whispers of Pinnawala Zoo, I finally had the chance to experience it firsthand, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. As a first-time visitor, I was immediately struck by the zoo's tranquil atmosphere, a welcome change from the usual hustle and bustle of tourist attractions. The sprawling grounds, dotted with lush greenery and well-maintained pathways, created a sense of calm and encouraged leisurely exploration. My initial impression was one of spaciousness. The enclosures, designed to mimic natural habitats, were significantly larger than I'd anticipated. This allowed the animals to roam freely and exhibit more natural behaviors, making the viewing experience far more engaging. It felt less like observing animals in captivity and more like glimpsing them in a semi-wild environment. While the animal collection might not be the most extensive I've encountered, the variety was still impressive. From playful deer prancing through their enclosure to the majestic stillness of the leopards, each animal held my attention. The aviary was a particular highlight, bursting with vibrant colors and the songs of numerous bird species. I also appreciated the inclusion of domestic animals, a thoughtful touch that I'm sure is particularly appealing to younger visitors. What truly stood out for me was the zoo's commitment to cleanliness. The grounds were spotless, and the enclosures appeared well-maintained. This attention to detail contributed significantly to the overall positive experience. It's clear that the zoo prioritizes the well-being of its inhabitants, which is always reassuring. Navigating the zoo was easy thanks to clear signage and well-laid-out paths. Restrooms and food stalls were conveniently located, making it easy to take a break and refresh. The staff I encountered were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and share information about the animals. As a first-time visitor, I was thoroughly impressed with Pinnawala Zoo. It offers a refreshing and enjoyable zoo experience, prioritizing animal welfare and visitor comfort. It's a perfect destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into the natural world. I left feeling relaxed, informed, and with a newfound appreciation for the diverse wildlife of Sri Lanka. I would highly recommend a visit to Pinnawala Zoo, and I certainly plan to return in the future. It's a hidden gem that deserves to...

The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo is Sri Lanka’s first open air zoo which has been declared open to the public as of April 2015. Located within proximity to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the zoo spreads over an expanse of 44 acres which has been landscaped without harming its natural beauty. Since Sri Lanka is home to a rich diversity of animals, the zoo consists of two zones “Sri Lankan” and “World”. However, currently the zoo is home to a number of native animals such as deer, leopard, crocodiles, species of monkeys, birds, turtles and many more.

The “Sri Lankan” section of the zoo will also include a special open section displaying the free-roaming Sri Lankan Leopard which is guaranteed to be a beautiful sight. The Sri Lankan Leopard is a leopard subspecies that is native to the island alone and is classified as one of the endangered species to roam the earth. Leopards are mainly spotted in dry evergreen monsoon forests areas, arid scrub jungles, rainforests and low and upper highland forests. So, it will be interesting to witness these predators at Pinnawala for a change. The “World” section is said to be constructed to hold a number of non-native animal species which is currently being look at.

The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo was proposed to be constructed in line with International Standards and so far the authorities have taken steps to maintain their promise. A number of facilities such as dining venues and areas to relax will be offered to local and tourists alike who visit the zoo. Since it’s located adjacent to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, chances are that you can plan your holiday around it and make a quick visit to both places without much hassle. The Pinnawala zoo is home for the many endemic animals in Sri Lanka. The constructions are still underway. The crocodile and sloth bear ranges are still in construction. There are internal road network throughout the zoo. The zoo is divided into two sections: the Sri Lankan zone and the World zone. Currently, the zoo is home for many native animals such as chital, lion, Sri Lanka Leopard, Purple-faced leaf monkey, Wild boar, Sambar, Asian elephant, and different endemic bird species. The leopard watching area is the largest...

During my visit to this zoon adjacent to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on Sunday, June 23, 2019, I encountered a disheartening situation that significantly marred our experience. After enjoying a pleasant time at the Elephant Orphanage, where my foreign wife and child were warmly welcomed as part of a Sri Lankan family without any additional charges, we proceeded to the zoo with high hopes.

Upon arrival, we were initially issued local tickets along with tickets for an electric safari car, a necessity given the open nature of the park. However, the situation quickly soured when the staff demanded an additional fee of 5,000 LKR, citing my wife's foreign nationality and claiming this was the cost of the safari car for foreigners. This request was not only unexpected but also lacked any formal ticket issuance, hinting at an unofficial and unfair charge.

I attempted to explain our prior experience at the Elephant Orphanage, Sigirya, Dabulla etc where nationality had not been a barrier to fair treatment but was met with unwavering insistence from the ticketing staff and the manager. They demanded the extra fee without providing an official ticket for the said amount, leaving me to feel as if I was being unfairly targeted and exploited in front of my family.

Refusing to acquiesce to this unjust demand, I returned the tickets and requested a refund, which was initially met with reluctance as they claimed the tickets had already been issued. It was only after I mentioned that I would bring this matter to the attention of the zoological park's director, whom I remembered to be a lady at the time, that they reluctantly refunded our money.

As we were leaving, even the security guards commended our decision not to succumb to the unwarranted charge, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness at the ticket counter.

It is my sincere hope that the management and practices at this establishment have since improved to ensure that all visitors, regardless of nationality, are treated with fairness and respect from the moment they arrive. Such experiences can significantly impact one's perception of a place, and it is crucial for the zoo to offer a welcoming and pleasant experience...