The National Zoological Garden in Dehiwala recorded the highest income on World Children's Day, which fell on October 1, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Ministry said.

They said the total income earned by the Dehiwala Zoo on that day was Rs. 508,377.

The management of the Zoological Department informed Minister Mahinda Amaraweera about this yesterday (4), claiming that all other zoos were also able to notch a record income in one day, the World Children's Day.

Accordingly, the Pinnawala Elephant sanctuary netted Rs. 947,000, the Pinnawala Zoo with Rs. 949,200 and Ridhiyagama Safari Park earned Rs. 856,000. 

Despite the fact that the National Zoological Department allowed children and senior citizens to visit the zoos free of charge, this is the first time that such a high income has been earned, National Zoological Department Director General Tilak Premakanta said.

Minister Amaraweera also advised taking measures to prepare creative programs to attract people to zoos during special and commemorative days in the future. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)