State Minister of Wildlife Protection, Adoption of Safety Measures including the Construction of Electrical Fences and Trenches, and Reforestation and Forest Resource Development Wimalaweera Dissanayake said all zoos in the country, including the Dehiwala Zoo, are in a severe financial crisis due to the loss of revenue.The Minister of State stated that zoos are expected to be opened from next week under the Covid-19 guidelines.“This has lost revenue. The zoos can’t even find funds to keep feeding the animals now. So we’re opening the zoos next Monday. Admission is by health provision. We also hope to admit those who have been vaccinated. They can’t continue to be closed. We will also open the Ridiyagama Safari Park,” he said.Following the spread of each wave, the Dehiwala Zoological Garden, botanical gardens, and national parks that fall under the purview of the Department of Wildlife Conservation were temporarily closed for weeks.
