Human hullaballoo falls silent at the zoo
The Dehiwela Zoo looks forlorn these days: the usual crowds around the ticket gates are absent, as are the noisy vendors selling fruits, candy and toys to visitors; inside, just a few daring local families with children roam, together with a few tourists.
Even its 84th anniversary on Friday last week was subdued, with only the zoo staff and the media being present. The day started with pirith chanting, invoking blessings on the zoo’s 3,000 animals, birds and other creatures, which received an extra share of food. The event was concluded with zoo staff cutting a birthday cake.
The 21-acre sprawling compound at Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha Dehiwala was opened up for visitors on June 15.
Strict conditions have been laid down for entry: Handwashing with soap is compulsory at the five pedal-operated taps with sinks installed by the entrance, and everyone must undergo temperature checking and fill in forms stating name, address and identity card number before being let in.
Visitors are expected to wear protective masks and maintain the 1m distance rule at all times until they leave the zoo.
Inside, they are prohibited from touching animals or feeding them, and are asked not to lean on handrails of animal dens or touch the protective glass screens at observation points. There should be no spitting, and masks cannot be disposed of in the compound.
The zoo will be open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The last ticket will be issued at 3 p.m.
All shows at the zoo have been cancelled until further notice.