Dehiwala Zoological Gardens was started by Mr. John Hargenbergin early 1920s as a private collection on 11 acres. It was officially taken over by the Government on the 1st of July 1936. It was established as an independent public department in 1946 and later administrative and management functions were subjected to the National Zoological Gardens Act no. 41 of 1982. At present, the Department consists of four ex-situ conservation operational units namely: Dehiwala Zoo, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala Zoo and Ridiyagama Safari Park. Apart from these Gonapola farm, Kahapola farm and Diyagama farm is in operation to produce animal feed.
Ex-situ conservation plays a pivotal role in the protection and preservation of endangered species, and the Department of National Zoological Gardens in Sri Lanka is at the forefront of these efforts. Established with the mission of conserving the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka, this department operates a network of zoological gardens dedicated to safeguarding both native and exotic wildlife. The primary objective of these gardens is to provide a sanctuary for species facing critical threats in their natural habitats, thereby contributing to global conservation efforts.
Through well-managed breeding programs, habitat replication, and public education, the Department of National Zoological Gardens aims to enhance genetic diversity, foster a deeper understanding of wildlife, and promote conservation awareness among the Sri Lankan public. This holistic approach underscores the department’s commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Sri Lanka while contributing to broader global conservation goals.
This holistic approach not only contributes to wider global conservation goals but also underscores the Department of National Zoological Gardens’ dedication to preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. The department’s commitment to excellence in conservation and management has been recognized through the receipt of National Productivity Awards from 2019 to 2022. These accolades reflect the department’s effective and innovative efforts in ex-situ conservation, highlighting its significant impact on both national and global scales.