SL opens first Safari Park

Video by Roshan Gunasekara

Sri Lanka’s first safari park was declared open today at Ridiyagama in Hambantota, the Government Information Department said.

The safari park, which was constructed at a cost of Rs.1.6 billion, is expected to attract more tourists to the island.

“The construction work of the park started in 2008 under the direction of National Zoological Department. The park, being built under two phases, covers an expanse of about 500 acres and it contains a public entertainment zone of about 69 acres each,” it said.

The park consists of six zones, four zones for carnivorous animals, while the remaining two zones being reserved for herbivores.

“The animals can move freely in the park. A special bus service will be available for tourists to move around. The park consists of all facilities, such as animal hospitals, internal road network and vehicle parks,” the Department said.