Food shortage for zoo animals?

Officials at the Department of National Zoological Gardens have stated that they do not even have the financial means to feed the animals in Zoological gardens including the zoo in Dehiwala.

Wildlife minister - Mahinda Amaraweera has been briefed on the matter by officials.

This was revealed during a media briefing held today (31) by the department officials.

Increasing prices of foodstuffs, the decline of foreign tourists as well as the reduced numbers of local visitors due to the fuel crisis are major contributors to this issue, they have said.

They have further said that a staggering Rs. 59 million of payments for food suppliers are pending and that it is likely that Rs. 120 is required for this in the future.

The Minister had said that he will discuss with the Treasury about the necessary funding.