National Zoological Gardens
The National Zoological Gardens, popularly known as the Zoo, is a beautifully
landscaped 30 acres in which a rich collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes
live in harmony with Nature. Although it was begun as a menagerie in the late
nineteen twenties by John Hagenbeck a member of the famous show-business
family from Hamburg, Germany, the Zoo was officially recognized as such only in
July 1936 when the Government purchased it. John Hargenberg, who initially started
the Dehiwala Zoo, belongs to a family engaged in animal circuses. He collected and
kept the animals in this premises for trade. Mr. Hargenberg exported wild animals to
Europe to his brother Carl Hargenberg who was one of the biggest animal dealer in
Europe at that time. It was then a mere 9 acres in extent but has steadily grown into
a beautiful Zoological Garden exhibiting animals in naturalistic setting using modern
methods of husbandry. Over 1.2 million visitors pass through the Zoo’s gates every
year...
landscaped 30 acres in which a rich collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes
live in harmony with Nature. Although it was begun as a menagerie in the late
nineteen twenties by John Hagenbeck a member of the famous show-business
family from Hamburg, Germany, the Zoo was officially recognized as such only in
July 1936 when the Government purchased it. John Hargenberg, who initially started
the Dehiwala Zoo, belongs to a family engaged in animal circuses. He collected and
kept the animals in this premises for trade. Mr. Hargenberg exported wild animals to
Europe to his brother Carl Hargenberg who was one of the biggest animal dealer in
Europe at that time. It was then a mere 9 acres in extent but has steadily grown into
a beautiful Zoological Garden exhibiting animals in naturalistic setting using modern
methods of husbandry. Over 1.2 million visitors pass through the Zoo’s gates every
year...
