Hambantota Ridiyagama Safari Park’s mini animal zone unveiled tomorrow

Arrangements have been made to open the mini Animal Zone, Animal Conservation and Migratory Bird Rescue Centre belonging to the second phase of Hambantota Ridiyagama Safari Park tomorrow.

Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the second phase will be opened in an area of about 500 acres, has been allocated for the Ridiyagama Safari Park and 13 zones have been set up for different types of animals.

Currently, about 200 acres of the phase have been developed and setting up of administrative buildings, animal hospital, visitor facilities, shops, parking lots and several animal zones have been completed.

These animal zones are known as the African lion zone which has an extent of approximately 35 acres, the herbivorous animals zone which is spread over 80 acres and the Asian elephant zone has 54 acres and the Bengal tiger zone.

The proposed phase to be inaugurated tomorrow consisting of three zones.

There is a zone for small herbivorous animals such as Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Jungle or Field Rats, etc. and a zone for children to have fun with pets has also been built in this new section.

Apart from that, an animal breeding conservation centre has also been set up and that section will not be opened for visitors.

Arrangements have been made to open a special rescue centre for migratory birds here.

According to the National Zoological Department, priority has been given to opportunities such as feeding pets and shooting photos with the animals. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)