Lion cub viewing at Dehiwala zoo ends June 21

Colombo, June 17 (Daily Mirror) -The public will have until June 21 to view the two newborn lion cubs at the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, as the cubs will no longer be displayed after that due to safety concerns, Director General Chandana Rajapaksha said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Rajapaksha said the cubs are growing rapidly, making it increasingly difficult and risky to bring them out for public viewing.

The male and female lion cubs were born on December 24 and have been attracting large numbers of visitors since they were introduced to the public.

The zoo has also received a large number of name suggestions following its public appeal to name the cubs. Rajapaksha said the selected names will be announced closer to the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens.

He added that prizes will be awarded to the winners who attend the official naming ceremony.

The Dehiwala Zoological Gardens has invited the public to visit the lion cubs before the viewing period ends on June 21. The cubs are on display daily from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.