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Crowds visit zoo to learn about wonders of the sea
On Wednesday, Aquatic Day in Zoo Week at the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwela, visitors were given the chance to touch different kinds of fish and marine animals such as turtles, boxfish, starfish and sea cucumbers.
A major attraction: The white turtle
Visitors get a chance to get up close and personal with different kinds of fish, marine animals such as turtles, boxfish, starfish and sea cucumbers. Pix by Susantha Liyanawatte
The programme included a display of an albino turtle and sales of zoo-bred fish at discounted prices.
The curator of the Reptilium and Aquarium, Sumeda Abeysinghe said the zoo had begun a project to breed good-quality exotic fish through research and hormonal treatment.
Mr. Abeysinghe said the aim of Aquatic Day was for people to learn and experience the touch of marine life.
Staff put up two huge displays of marine life with notes so that the public could learn more about the wonders of the sea.
People normally never find time to touch a turtle or a fish or a star fish and ask questions about its looks and behaviour and learn to protect it, said staff member Kalum Pranandu.
This was only the second time that the white turtle was on display, he said.