A Visit To Sri Lanka’s First Safari Park 

As a country that has been internationally acclaimed for its flora and fauna, today, Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for tourists. Its climate, pristine sea beaches, magnificent waterfalls and other marvels of nature proves its uniqueness. Making use of these treasures, Sri Lanka recently opened its first safari park to bring about a novel experience for all nature lovers.

Situated in Ridiyagama, a town off Sooriyawewa in the Hambantota district, this park is a 500 acre expanse of land which is managed under the supervision of the Department of National Zoological Gardens. While at the park, the Daily Mirror Life spoke to W.G.K Hemantha Samarasekara, Assistant Director and Officer-In-Charge of this venture. 

Objectives 

The initial cost for constructing the park was an estimated Rs.600 million and the concept had been to introduce it as a lion safari park. But later a decision had been taken to introduce various other animals in addition to lions. 

The park was introduced with the main objectives of ; 

· Relocating animals in the Dehiwela zoo 

· Introducing an animal conservation centre 

· Boosting the tourism industry 

· Opening doors for new research opportunities in animal conservation and breeding 

· Educating the children and public about the animals, their lifestyles, breeding and other features 

Zones 

Currently there are three zones in operation, which include the Lion zone, World Herbivore zone and the Asian elephant zone. The animals move around freely in their respective zones and are protected by automated gate systems to minimize the risk to humans. 

Lion Zone 

Currently there is one lion and two lionesses in this 35 acre expanse of land. But additionally they have 5 more lions that will be eventually added to the zone after the existing ones mark their territories. While inside the zone one would eagerly keep staring out to catch a glimpse of these majestic species freely roaming in their territory. 

World Herbivore Zone 

The World Herbivore zone comprise of different animals including zebra, African buffaloes, ostrich, camel, hippos, donkeys, different types of deer and Arabian oryx. In addition to that many other species endemic to Sri Lanka including monkeys, wild boar, spotted deer and palm civets can be found. During the season, one can also find around 55 different species of butterflies and 100 odd species of birds. 

Asian Elephant Zone 

Spanning 54 acres this zone is still being developed. At present only three elephants can be found but in time to come the zone will have around 10 of them. All zones are preserved as natural habitats that these animals can survive in. However for security reasons, there are 16 feet tall gates surrounding the park in addition to an 8KW electric fence. Remote control gates operate between each zone. 

Maintenance 

Inside the park, the entire area has been preserved as a natural habitat while only a few trees have been cut in order to construct fences and gates. The animals are being fed every one and a half hours and a veterinary surgeon takes his rounds everyday to check on the animals. The animal hospital comprises of the latest technology and therefore in case if an animal is injured from a fight or encounters any other threat, they are immediately taken care of by the experts who are working on call. The diets are constantly monitored and the nutritional components are set according to the needs of the animal. 

Other Services 

The visitors’ area includes a parking area which can accommodate 386 vehicles, sanitary facilities, food court and an educational centre. The service area includes the office complex, animal hospital, quarantine unit, post mortem unit, food preparation unit, store facilities and staff accommodation. 

Since it is an open air zoo, the management has taken all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the visitors. Hence, there are certain rules and regulations which the visitors should abide by as listed below: 

· Visitors cannot tour around the park in their own private vehicles 

· A bus service operates every half an hour and visitors are expected to stay at the platform 

· Visitors shouldn’t get down from the bus at any point until the ride is over 

· Photographs can be taken 

· Visitors should always keep the environment clean 

Future Developments 

In time to come the World Herbivore zone will be divided in to African, Asian and Sri Lankan zones. In addition to that an Australian herbivore zone, a Bengali tiger zone, a leopard and a sloth bear too are yet to be opened in the near future. 

The animal kingdom consists of different species and at a Safari park, one would just not want to see all animals in a zoo, therefore the management has also taken steps to introduce a small animal kingdom and a reptile zone as well. 

Camping sites, circuit bungalows, tree houses, conservation and breeding sites and leisure areas to will be opened for those who would like to enjoy the oneness with nature. 

Tickets 

Tickets prices for locals and foreigners are as follows : 

Locals 

Adults – Rs.300 
School children – Rs. 50 
Below 12 years – Rs.200 

Foreigners 

Children – Rs.1000 
Adults – Rs. 2000 

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe 
Photographs by Kithsiri de Mel