(UTV | COLOMBO) – Another section of the Ridiyagama Safari Park in Hambantota will be declared open to coincide with World Animal Day on the 4th of October.
The first ever Safari Park in Sri Lanka was declared open in 2016.
However, only one section of the 500-acre safari park is open to the public at present.
Minister of Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera has accordingly instructed the 34-acre section of the park to be declared open next month.
The 500-acre Ridiyagama Safari Park is divided into 13 zones.
The Ministry said around 200 acres have been developed at present, with administrative buildings, animal care clinic, families for visitors, shops and vehicles parks along with zones for animals.
Under the first phase, a 35-acre zone has been allocated for African Lions, 54 acres for Asian Elephants and 80 acres as the World Zone.
Under the second phase, several other zones will be opened including areas with a section for deers.
The Department of National Zoological Gardens said in addition to better facilities for animals, the public will also be able to have a better experience with the opening of a zone for children and an area to take photographs for the public.