CHOGM mini zoo there to stay: Ministry

09 May 2014 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Rejecting claims that several animals kept at the ‘Ape Gama’ Mini Zoo in Battaramulla had died, the Botanical Gardens and Public Recreation Ministry said today the Zoo would not be closed down or shifted elsewhere.

Ministry Secretary W.W. Gamage claimed that only two animals had died at the mini zoo. “I agree that some of the animals were inconvenienced. Two mouse deer had died because the location was new and there was a hidden pit. However we have sorted these matters now,” he said.

But JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed parliament on Thursday that five mouse deer taken to the Mini Zoo from the Dehiwala Zoo had died. He said 40 tortoises and some axis deer had also died.

Dr. Gamage admitted that several tortoises had walked out of the location and a species of cranes known as ‘Hendigalawa’ had their wings clipped to prevent them from flying away. “Some of the birds being reared at the Zoo also had their wings clipped,” he said.

Dr. Gamage said the mini zoo was set up in a hurry in time for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) but now the ministry had identified the issues faced by the animals and resolved these matters. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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CHOGM mini zoo there to stay: Ministry

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