The "Zoo" haven for animals

by Dinusha WIJAYASURIYA

With the increasing trend of resource utilization, there are many manners in which ecosystems and species are being negatively affected. Thus, it is the responsibility of mankind to take necessary steps to ensure the survival of all living beings; as the most intelligent creature on earth.

Hence, as the undergraduates of the Department of Business Administration of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, we believe that it is our responsibility to contribute positively towards this phenomenon. Therefore, in order to undertake a project, we decided to join hands with the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, with consideration to the high levels of interest currently shown by the public.

The National Zoological Gardens, generally known as the 'Zoo', is beautifully landscaped in 23 acres which is situated 11 km from the Fort - Colombo. The Zoo was started as a menagerie in the late nineteen twenties by John Hagenbeck, a member of the famous show-business family from Hamburg, Germany. The Zoo was officially recognised only in July 1936 upon the acquisition by the Government.

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world. The aquarium is the only one of its kind in Asia and displays over 500 varieties of aquatic life. There is daily elephant performance at the 'Ali Ranga Peeta' in the evenings which attracts visitors from different parts of the world. Also a walk through the Aviary, Reptilian and the Butterfly Park provide a unique experience to the visitors.Moreover, the National Zoological Gardens conducts special educational programs for school which includes student guidance services, mobile exhibition units and facilitates for research activities in order to enhance the knowledge and awareness among the public.

The 'animal hospital' provides primary medical care for over 2500 animals of 350 different species at the Zoological Gardens. Besides providing veterinary care for the animals, it gets involved in both basic and clinical research related to zoological animals; it also functions as a teaching hospital for the veterinary students at the University of Peradeniya.

A special and a separate unit established under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon to take care of the orphaned, captive as well as wild neonatal and juveniles, is known as the 'animal nursery'. It has never been an easy task to bring up these infant animals once they have been neglected or refused by the parent animals due to different reasons.

Therefore, by identifying the importance of this silent but the invaluable service provided by the Nursery, as responsible citizens of the country we made a contribution towards improving the infrastructure of the Nursery, by providing special room heating facilities which had been a necessity for more than a decade. We have also provided our assistance in order to equip the nursery with many other accessories which would further enhance the service rendered by it.

'Pets corner', one of the popular attractions within the premises contributes in many ways to bring awareness among the public. This includes educating the public and constructing a sound relationship through interaction and involvement, which indeed assist in developing a responsible community with lateral thinking and positive attitudes.

Recognizing this valuable service provided by the Young Zoologists of the Pets Corner who provide their voluntary services in taking care of animals, educating the public and through interaction and involvement of the visitors; we have taken initial steps to design and provide them, a uniform (T-shirt) and we believe that it would give them a better identity and much deserved recognition.