(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Officials of the Department of National Zoological Gardens say the lack of financial resources to provide daily food to the animals at the Dehiwala Zoo and other national zoos has exacerbated a food crisis at the zoos.
During a special discussion held today with the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera at the Wildlife Authority in Battaramulla, the officials of the National Zoological Gardens revealed that the animals at the Dehiwala Zoo are facing a severe food shortage.
According to the officials of the Department of Zoology, the animals in the zoos are facing a severe shortage of food due to the decrease in foreign tourist arrivals, the decrease in the number of local tourists due to the shortage of fuel and the increase in the prices of food items.
The Department of National Zoological Gardens is also responsible for the care of elephants which are the subject of court cases and it costs about Rs. 45 million a year to take care of them, the officials pointed out.
The officials said that the amount allocated by the government in the budget has come to an end due to the above reasons.
The suppliers who supplied food to the zoos now have to be paid Rs. 59 million in arrears. Also, at least Rs. 120 million is required with the necessary financial provisions for the rest of this year.
Considering the facts presented by the zoo officials, the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera decided to take action in consultation with the Treasury to provide the necessary financial assistance.
The Minister instructed the officials to expedite the development of a committed system of animal care institutions with the support of the people who are interested in animal welfare.
The Minister said that the current economic crisis has severely affected animals as well as the people and the government will take all necessary steps to take care of these animals
Mrs. Chandra Herath, Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation was also present at the occasion.
