Two employees at the Dehiwela National Zoo suspended for attempting to smuggle a star tortoise

Two employees at the Dehiwela National zoo have been suspended following an attempt to smuggle a star tortoise from the premises.

Accordingly the two employees who worked in the gardening division were suspended from their services. The security division of the Zoological Gardens were quick to act and prevented the star tortoise from being smuggled, the Director General of the National Zoological Department, Dhammika Malsingha said.

Meanwhile it was reported that a porcupine at the the Pinnawela Zoo had been killed. It is believed that the employees at the the Zoo were responsible for the killing of the animal.

The  National Zoological Department said while they had received information regarding the Pinnawela incident it was yet to receive an official complaint in this regard. However, a report has been called for in this regard and further measures are to be taken once the report is received.