Entry fare to Zoo increased

The government granted permission to increase the entry ticket fare to enter the National Zoological Gardens for local tourists commencing from yesterday (7), the department said.

Issuing a notice, the Government Information Department said the decision was taken by the Treasury due to rising animal maintenance costs, current foreign exchange rate crisis and the aim of providing proper maintenance.

The Zoo officials said the ticket fares were not revised since 2017.

The entry fare to Dehiwala Zoo, Pinnawala Zoo, and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage for local adults has been increased to Rs.200 (82%) from Rs.110 (67%) and for children from Rs.30 from Rs.50.

The entry fare for Ridiyagama Safari Park for local adults has been increased to Rs.500 (43%) from Rs.350, while  for local children it was increased to Rs.150 (25%) from the early Rs.120. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)