Department of National Zoological Gardens

• To maintain a diversified native and exotic collection of animals in near natural habitats.
• To assure the survival, well-being and natural behavioral characteristics captive animals.
• To ensure ex-situ conservation of wild fauna species with special emphasis to threatened, endangered and endemic species of the country.
• To preserve the animals that is on the brink of extinction.
• To conduct conservation breeding programs.
• To conduct research to widen the knowledge base on animals and on other zoological disciplines.
• To exhibit captive animals with minimal disturbance to their lifestyle for knowledge gain and amusement.
• To conduct education and outreach programs to assist informal education especially of school children.
• To cater to the tourism industry through innovative concepts of display and by promoting ecotourism.
• To formulate policies, plans and guidelines for administration and management of the zoological establishments and aquariums in the country.
• To provide safe and satisfying environment to workers and visitors.
• To collate and participate actively in international associations and networks of zoological gardens and animal exchange programs.
• To encourage zoo based special interest organizations, foreign and local volunteers, external researchers, students and groups of interested parties to work with the department.
• To develop supportive facilities such as feed farms, audio visual units, equipped auditoriums, modern laboratories, animal hospitals, separation units, museums, libraries, etc.
• To adhere to proper environmental safety measures.
• To operate uninterrupted maintenance and upgrading programs.
• To launch mutually beneficial  management programs with general public and schools.

• Animal care and wellbeing
• Conservation and Breeding
• Research
• Exhibition and outreach
• Entertainment and recreation

• The National Zoo in Dehiwala
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage 
• Pinnawala Zoo
• Safari Park in Hambanthota
• Gonapola Farm

Vision

‘‘ To become an institution which maintains the best zoological  gardens in the world”

Mission

“Being concurred with the new zoological gardens concepts, while adopting attractive techniques and proficiencies, providing habitats under accepted rules and regulations as well as with maximum protection exhibiting a healthy collection of animals”

• Animal breeding and conservation
• Animal welfare
• Education
• Researches
• Exhibition and providing entertainment