Zoo plans to set up animal rescue and quarantine centers

The National Zoological gardens has decided to create an animal rescue and rehabilitation center as well as a separate animal quarantine center in two separate locations.

The Director General of the National Zoological Gardens, Dr Chandana Rajapaksa told the times online that they have decided to set up the animal rescue and rehabilitation center at Kahapola, while the quarantine center would be set up at Gonapala within the Zoo’s farm.

He explained that they came up with the decision to set up the animal rescue and rehabilitation center as people turn up with injured and sick wild animals expecting that the zoo would accept the animals and treat them.

“If people take the effort to help injured animals, and turn up at the zoo expecting us to help, we cannot turn them away, that is why we planned to set up a rescue and rehabilitation center” he added.

The Zoo DG also explained that through the center they hope to treat indigenous and endemic animal species, rehabilitate them and release them back to the wild.

The Director General also added that the quarantine center is a national requirement as the country needs a quarantine center which is equipped to house exotic animals as well as manned by personnel which has expertise to handle animals with foreign origin.

He explained that the Department of Wildlife mandate is to only look into endemic animals therefore when customs as well as wildlife confiscate animals there is lack of space to quarantine animals.

The DG pointed out that the animal quarantine which is handled by the Department of animal production and health too has limited space and does not have knowledge to handle exotic animals.

Dr Rajapaksa also emphasized the need for a separate animal quarantine center as when confiscated animals are handed over to the zoo via court orders, the animals are unable to be directly introduced to the zoo animals as if the new animals which are smuggled and held in non-ideal condition could harbor illness.  

He added that they are currently in early planning stages of both quarantine and animal rescue and rehabilitation center and explained that they have planned to start the construction of the two centers early next year.