Colombo, June 11: Animal lovers can adopt a leopard at 8,000 rupees a day at the Dehiwala zoo in the Sri Lankan capital.
The zoo’s Director General, Dr. Thilak Premakantha, told The Island newspaper that those interested in adopting an animal could do so under four packages; silver, gold, diamond and platinum.
The newspaper on Saturday also quoted him as saying that in the event of a food crisis at the zoo, spotted deer may be relocated in suitable locations in consultation with the Department of Wildlife.
He said this had to be done systematically as they were now semi wild animals and thus had lost some instincts that would otherwise help them survive in the wild.
He said that four animals of a species would be sufficient for display in the zoo.
The zoo chief admitted that animals in captivity were now being cheaper alternatives to “expensive foods” amid a severe food and economic crisis that has enveloped Sri Lanka.
He also that anyone who wanted to feed the animals could donate dry food, milk powder for the tiger cubs and materials like sugarcane for the elephants at the zoo.
Zoo officials had complained earlier about low footfalls and about receiving less budgetary support from the government.
(UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
