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Last Updated : 2024-03-29 00:02:00
The Born Free foundation, an international wildlife charity based in UK recently released a statement regarding the Dehiwela Zoo, with regard to the poor conditions at the Zoo and possible welfare concerns for the animals.
The Foundation that runs a Zoo Check programme in its release said that it was willing to work with the Government of Sri Lanka to implement a few changes within the zoo. “Recently-released observations, photographs and video footage from Dehiwala Zoo, Colombo, Sri Lanka, have given rise to international concern, and appear to confirm recent observations by the Born Free Foundation, particularly with reference to the poor conditions at the Zoo and possible welfare concerns for the animals,” the foundation said.
In the light of these observations, the foundation is disappointed in the response from the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA), of which Dehiwala Zoo is a member, which claims that “positive changes have taken place and the zoo is evolving and improving”, that new plans will be available in the near future, and that WAZA intends to monitor the situation.
The Born Free Foundation is convinced that what is urgently required at the Zoo, in addition to short-term intervention to secure the welfare of the animals, is a strategic plan towards closure, involving consolidating the Zoo’s animal collection and re-homing many or all of the animals to alternative, good-quality facilities.
The foundation has further stated that they are aware of the allegations have been made regarding the trade in wild animals from the Zoo, and we call on the Ministry overseeing the Dehiwala Zoo to provide prompt and clear explanation and evidence to clarify this point.
Animal activists have been for years critical about the conditions of the welfare of the animals in the Dehiwela Zoo. More recently there was renewed interest by animal lovers, some of them even calling for the closure of the Zoo and an end to the animal performances there.
The Born Free Foundation takes action worldwide to save lives, stop suffering and protect species in the wild. Its major international projects are devoted to animal welfare, conservation and education, and protect lions, elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers, polar bears, wolves, dolphins, turtles, sharks and many other animals.(Kamanthi Wickramasinghe)
das Thursday, 05 May 2016 11:23 PM
Shut it down. Animals don't exist for our amusement.
Ganabala Thursday, 05 May 2016 11:30 PM
Is there anything we Sri Lankans can do properly?
Billal Friday, 06 May 2016 01:40 AM
Born free what about Sea World in America? No guts to shut them up?
Yana Friday, 06 May 2016 02:38 AM
It's about time action was taken on this disgrace that we call a zoo. The enclosures and cages are beyond belief. My children were distressed to see the performing elephants. These magnificent beasts belong in the wild, not chained and ill treated.
Zoo Friday, 06 May 2016 03:39 AM
We have MEGA Cabinet in SRI LANKA spending colossal amount of public wealth but the Dehiwala Zoo which attracts many Tourists worldwide is neglected. If Govt is interested in improving TOURIST ARRIVAL then it has to identify the Tourist attracting places like Zoo.
Roman Friday, 06 May 2016 10:40 AM
Shut it down and release the poor animals to the Pinnawala open air zoo
CitizenPerera Friday, 06 May 2016 01:55 PM
Here's a solution. Exchange these animals at Dehiwela Zoo with those bovines in the middle of Diyawanna Oye. The animals and the entire country will be free of misery. .
REALPATRIAT Friday, 06 May 2016 08:56 PM
WHY NOBODY IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE INDECENT CONDITION OF THE PRESENT PARLIAMENT via DM Android App
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