They are restructuring the cages, environment and giving more space to animals. It's not enough but for the time being, it's satisfying. Enjoyed a lot in the zoo. Not only entertaining, but also educating. Staff is very friendly and they guided in the tour. Highly recommend for a family to visit in their weekends.

Facilities has been improved compared to my previous visit which was several years ago. Specially Washroom Facilities. Though there are less number of animals there in the zoo compared to few years back. We Cannot Aspect Or Facilitate 100% In A Zoo What’s An Animal Need However Most of animals now has more space in their cages. We are Enjoyed a lot in the zoo. Not only entertaining, but also educating Specially Newly Innovated Museum Which Is Most Useful For school students and zoological students. Which is Missing By Most of The visitors (almost 1st Floor of Aquarium) I have never been to the museum at the zoo and this time around, we got the chance. And I gotta say it's quite nice. It has lots of preserved bodies, and skeletons as well as several scale models. Restaurants inside the zoo have improved Food tastes much better than it used to. And they are always full with people. Prices are same To Our side reasonable Restaurant’s. Tickets were priced at 200/=for adults & 50/= Below 12 Years This is for locals only. Ticket prices for foreigners are Bit Higher. Most Important is now Days the have innovated lots of new things which like -Feeding the elephant (Bucket Of Fruit for 250/=) -Feeding the giraffe (Some Grass for 250/=) -Improved Children Park. Etc…. Only missing thing is Elephants Show, Though We watched Sea-lion Show. Highly recommend for a family to visit in their weekends.

Really good place to have a quality time with family. As I remember there are lot of animals here but now most of them are not there. I'm not very satisfied with the living condition of the animals. Place is nice and well maintained but as I saw animal cages are not maintain well. Few years back I remember this place is packed with lot of animals but now you only see few animals. I saw people feeding animals and no one there to stop them. They have installed swings and electric car rides for children but it's not the reason why people visit here.

Well, this place is not like it used to be. There aren't that many animals and several cages are empty. This must be due to COVID or something. We visited on 18th of December 2021, so this might not be the case when you visit. However, the place wasn't short on visitors, especially since it was closed for months because of COVID. And we noticed that there were some renovations going on. They were building a new structure for lions as well. And the children park was full of children. They had even arranged a Santa to meet and hand out gifts to the children. I have never been to the museum at the zoo and this time around, we got the chance. And I gotta say it's quite nice. It has lots of preserved bodies, and skeletons as well as several scale models. And the restaurants inside the zoo have improved drastically. Food tastes much better than it used to. And they are always full with people. Prices are somewhat reasonable. Staff is really friendly. However, your orders might get delayed for a long time. This might be due to the high demand. Also, if you visit the zoo, please contact them and find out whether there are elephant and other shows on that day. There weren't any, when we visited; maybe because it was a poya day? Tickets were priced at 110 LKR for adults and 30 LKR for children. This is for locals only. Ticket prices for foreigners might be different. All in all, it was a good day and my niece was really happy that she got to see all the animals she loves.

Really enjoyed the time in the zoo. Entrance fee was 250lkr for a local adult, information they provided outside of the habitats are very informative, the zoo had loads of land animals and birds. They also have a aquarium with small sharks, stingrays and other fresh water and salt water fish. And they also have a really good restaurant inside which has tasty food. Must visit place if you are in the area

The entrance fee is very fair. It is good to see animals around the world. But animals looked poorly treated, with very little life in their eyes. Animals looked like they were trapped inside small cages. But there is a nice aquarium and a museum. Please think more about animals. They need more attention and to be treated. It's very heartbreaking. 😔

Really really best place. I love this. Everyone can visit here. All kind of animals are waiting for you 😁😛. Some animals dance and sports are stopped because of the corona issues but still you can join with this zoo to look at this place. I warmly invite everyone to visit here.

We can see may types of animals in Dehiwala zoo. Environmental also clean and nice. You can enjoy the day with family. Nowadays no entertainment events in the zoo. Specially this place good for children to get idea about different animals. Many of people feeding animals. I don't think that is good for their health.

Facilities has been improved compared to my previous visit which was several years ago. However now there are less number of animals there in the zoo compared to several years back. Most of animals now has more space in their cages. Also kids play area also improved significantly.

Nice place enjoyed well.. inside much suitable for kids. But some places and the glass boxes are to be clean more as kids are always rounding so need more concer about the barriers and the viewing area glass to be clean.. lot of animals and good for todlers to watch and learn

It was a good place. I found many varieties of animals, local and foreign. It was like a stress buster for me. If felt like getting relief. The only thing I found as negative is the animals. They are very old and they care takers didn't replace them with new ones. The animals are not that much active. The birds are active and beautiful ❤️

Really enjoyed the time in the zoo. Entrance fee was 250lkr for a local adult, information they provided outside of the habitats are very informative, the zoo had loads of land animals and birds. They also have a aquarium with small sharks, stingrays and other fresh water and salt water fish. And they also have a really good restaurant inside which has tasty food. Must visit place if you are in the area 🐒🦍🐅🦌🐗🐫🐘🦏🦛🪿🦚🐊🐟🦭🦅

It is the biggest zoo in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 and there are lot of kind of animals on the zoo not only mammals , birds , kinds of fish ,birds are also there. Big cat section is very attractive Lions Tigers Cheetah , specially white tigers. There are separated sections for reptiles fish and birds and butterfly too.We can get big knowledge about animals from the animal mussium which located in the zoo. Elephant shows are available Visitors can enjoy more.

A must visit menagerie with a full of 😽🐵🦁🐯🐻🐰🐭🐗🦓🐴🦎🦖🦕🐢🐊🐍🐁🐀🐈🐆🐖🐎🦌🐐🦥🦘🐘🦒🦧🐓🦜🐦🦢🦩🦃🐟🐠🦐🦞

Venturing into Dehiwala Zoological Garden revealed a delightful tapestry of wildlife. The playful antics of the monkeys and the majestic presence of elephants created a captivating spectacle. It transcends the mundane, offering a refreshing escape into the realm of nature's wonders. The diverse array of animals ensures there's something to pique the interest of every visitor. The tranquil ambiance and well-maintained enclosures make it an ideal destination for a leisurely day out, combining both enjoyment and education seamlessly. In essence, it's a splendid place to immerse oneself in the captivating beauty of the animal kingdom.

Visiting DEHIWALA ZOO was an amazing experience! The variety of animals was impressive, and the staff were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. The zoo's wide spaces were refreshing. However, during rainy weather, some areas became slippery and muddy, making it slightly challenging to navigate. Inside the restaurant, I found the food prices to be rather high. It would be beneficial if the management could consider controlling the prices for a more affordable dining experience. Moreover, the service in the main canteen could be improved, as some waiter seemed unfamiliar with proper customer service etiquette. Despite these areas for improvement, I still enjoyed my time at the zoo and would recommend it for a fun family outing!

As it’s the first and quick accessible zoo in Colombo it’s has various range of Birds, animals local breeds as well as foreign breeds . But the number of animals has down drastically than last time visit which was few year back. As we know it’s hard to maintain such huge area and animals respected authorities should do something to maintain property and grab some good international tourist!!! Worth the place to spend time with kids especially if they are animal lovers.

"Exploring Dehiwala Zoo was an enjoyable experience. The diverse array of wildlife, well-maintained enclosures, and educational exhibits made it a family-friendly outing. The zoo's commitment to conservation efforts and the engaging animal shows added value to our visit. While some areas could use a bit more attention, overall, it was a rewarding day surrounded by fascinating creatures from around the world."

Visited here on our last day in Sri Lanka last week. A lot can be said about a country by the state of its zoos.. This zoo was well maintained, plenty of staff and room for the animals to roam about. There were a lot of bird varieties and all the big cats and mammals were there. Our only disappointment was that elephants were being used for a show to young school children. They were trained to “play” basketball and the keepers had sticks with spikes to direct them. The zoo has won awards for conservation so just a little more care for these beautiful intelligent creatures would be amazing.

I have visited to this place after long time and I think more than 15 years. Now this place has improved more than before. Restaurants and wash rooms are very clean and also I would recommend to suggest to people who will visit to this place and keep this place in clean as your own home.

Went after so many years. I used to love this place as a child. But now the number of attractions are much less than it used to be. Many animals were missing. Such as hyenas, leopards, jaguars (only one black jaguar was there), baboons, less fish etc. Also the state of some animals are quite sad. Could feel there loneliness. Especially the whole board, camel, orangutan, chimpanzees, brown bear etc. But there some new attractions which should be praised. New tiger cages are a good experience. Hope administration will improve these

I have been to zoos in India but Dehiwala Zoological Garden was quite hilarious for me to visit along with my estranged husband. It had beautiful animals, and the one you see in the picture the giant bear turned out to be my classmate from the fifth grade. He is doing well as you can see and doesn’t want to return to India. He confronted to me that Sri Lanka offers him more delicious and healthy food. In 2017, I met the siblings of this beautiful dear friend in the US. He told me a lot about them, so I couldn’t hesitate to visit Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. This friend of mine in the Dehiwala Zoo is friendly, lovable, and amusing. I told him how we used to play together as friends, and he just nodded his head. That’s the kind of friendship we still hold close to our hearts. It’s hard to recognize yourself when you were a child. Don’t I look like a leader showing the path of grace, humility, and respect to my peers? Thank you for the compliment, but I heard you were laughing. That’s okay. I have always been fascinated by the breed of lions, tigers, foxes, and wolves. He came out after a long time, and I didn’t want to end the trip without looking at him once, and the moment I saw I clicked him instantly. I hope my friends are doing great in Sri Lanka as it’s been 6 years since I last saw them.

We are Enjoyed a lot in the zoo. Not only entertaining, but also educating. Staff is very friendly and they guided in the tour. And we noticed that there were some renovations going on. They were building a new structure for lions as well. And the children park was full of children. They had even arranged a Santa to meet and hand out gifts to the children. I have never been to the museum at the zoo and this time around, we got the chance. And I gotta say it's quite nice. It has lots of preserved bodies, and skeletons as well as several scale models. And the restaurants inside the zoo have improved drastically. Food tastes much better than it used to. And they are always full with people. Prices are somewhat reasonable. Staff is really friendly. However, your orders might get delayed for a long time. This might be due to the high demand. Also, if you visit the zoo, please contact them and find out whether there are elephant and other shows on that day. There weren't any, when we visited; maybe because it was a poya day? Tickets were priced at 200 LKR for adults. This is for locals only. Ticket prices for foreigners might be different. Highly recommend for a family to visit in their weekends.

I visited the National Zoological Garden in Dehiwala recently, and I must say it's a great place for kids and education. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, and we had a great time viewing them all. The educational aspect of the zoo was fascinating, and it helped us learn a lot about the animal kingdom. However, the only issue we faced was the cleanliness of the zoo. The zoo should improve its cleanliness by ensuring that all areas are spotless. While this issue was minor, it's something that the zoo administration should address to provide visitors with the best possible experience. Despite the cleanliness issue, our visit to the National Zoological Garden was enjoyable, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great educational and entertaining experience.

Wow improved! New animals, looks well maintained. Great experience, food stall prices are affordable. Must say, really needs a spacious parking! That’s only worried. There’s no propper parking at all, just parking around the main road.

After many years with my family we have visited the Dehiwala Zoo (thats the name we call from the childhood). Its far better than before & there are lots of new things & improvements. We love the way of the Macaw parrots were amazing. We all enjoyed the way of the Tigers its like a glass cage & feels like tiger come near to you. We also had lunch in the main Restaurant the food was ok bit over priced however the service was very poor & not enough servers. Overall good experience there also kids activities which little once can enjoy.. Thank you.

It's not same like past days. Animals are less in numbers and some you get to see only one. Most of them are elderly animals. They have shifted animals to other zoos. Anyway if the animals are treated well at last, then it's good for them.

what a nice lovely place to visit, you don't need to travel far but make sure that you are there early in the morning to avoid the heat. the layout is excellent, all you have to do is follow the arrows which they are numbered, the only two things that minorly disappointed me were, even though the sign said that they accept credit cards, they actually don't (maybe the machine was down that day) and the other thing was i didn't get to see any leopards the cage was empty with broken door. apart from that, really a great place to spend the day.The aquarium is done very nicely. Inside the aquarium very calm and quiet. The Zoo is very crowded during the holidays. If you visit the zoo in the day time on a weekday you can enjoy than a holiday. Too limited space for some animals. The zoo is open from 8. am to 10 pm during weekends (Usually 8.am to 6 pm).

Enjoy after long time with kids.. Few places are under construction. better to walk with a map

Poor condition. Animals seem to be stressed and sedated. Do not recommend it at all. They have a lion cub named Zimba and they let visitors to pet it. Which is extremely dangerous for the well being of the wild animal. This place should be closed and animals should be sent to another zoo or conservation facility where they have enough resources to take care of the animals. Worst zoo ever.

One of the beautiful places I've ever seen.Every mammal, to bird, to fish you see here puts everything to perspective how the nature has gifted us all it's wonders.To witness all life other than ourselves face to face, as seen at the comfort of our homes,is really mind boggling.From Bengali tigers to giraffes 15ft tall.But observing the animals in the zoo also sheds a light on how animals are caged to entertain and the sub par living conditions they have to put up with, far from their original homes makes a melancholic experience. So in the end there may be a conflict of emotions when visiting here, but will leave every one who threads this zoo really enlightened.

One and only plas in Sri lanka...😀😀😀😀 You can get super fun

🐒

Little bit busy on weekends and at the school vacation. There are animals from Sri Lanka as well some are from outside. Safety intrusions should need to follow because it’s good for visitors and animals. Actually we can spend whole day with your family.

Excellent place. very use full tips given by Manilka Aiya for beginners, not greedy for the money. Highly recommend to visit.Healthy fishes too.

One of the best zoos in Sri Lanka, but need more upgrade. It is known as National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka / Colombo Zoo / Dehiwala Zoo. It is a famous zoological garden in Sri Lanka, According to Wikipedia, founded in 1936. Its sprawling areas are host to a variety of animals and birds. The zoo exhibits animals but also places an emphasis on animal conservation and welfare, and education. The zoo has 3000 animals and 350 species as of 2005. The annual revenue is LKR 40 million. The zoo exchanges its residents with other zoological gardens for breeding purposes.

The zoo has 3000 animals and 350 species as of 2005. The annual revenue is LKR 40 million. The zoo exchanges its residents with other zoological gardens for breeding purposes. History Edit Sri Lanka has a history of collecting and keeping wild animals as pets by some Sinhalese kings as well as some British. What is known today as National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka was founded by John Hagenbeck in the late 1920s. It was closed at the beginning of World War II in 1939 because of the owner of that company was a German. After the liquidation of Zoological Garden Company in 1936, the government acquired much of the collection and added it to the Dehiwala Zoo (Zoological Garden of Ceylon) collection. Although Dehiwala Zoo officially began operating in 1939, an impressive animal collection already existed there as part of Hagenback company's holding area, where the public could visit. Major Aubrey Neil Weinman, OBE was the first Director of the Dehiwala Zoo. During his period various programs were developed, such as introducing more native and foreign species, educational and conservation programs, improving the facilities and infrastructures and more. By 1969, half of the collection consisted of native species including virtually all of the mammals represented. In 1973, the zoo had 158 mammal species, 259 bird species, 56 reptile species and 7 fish species. However, not much has been reported on Zoo progress until the 1980s. Before World War I, the Dehiwala Zoo was also involved in Ethnographic Expositions (human zoo exhibits)[4] and functioned as holding quarters for live human exhibits collected from around the region.[5] Zoo Edit Red lionfish (Pterois volitans) in Dehiwala zoo Aquarium Dehiwala Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia and one of the most abusive. It has a substantial collection of worldwide animals. It is open all year long and can be reached by public transportation. Diversity of the zoo is indicated by the presence of an aquarium, walk through aviary, reptile house, butterfly garden and many small, dilapidated cages and enclosures, housing starving, bored animals, living in prison-like conditions. The zoological garden has a small, but picturesque butterfly garden which is decorated with small shrubs, trees, creepers and small streams. Internal temperature and humidity of the house is controlled by artificially created mist. The butterfly garden exhibits 30 species of butterflies with their all stages of life cycle for educational purposes. Animals in Dehiwala Zoo # Category Species Number [1] Mammals 100 450 [2] Birds 110 1000-1500 [3] Fish 65 1000 [4] Reptiles 34 250 [5] Amphibians 3 20 [6] Butterflies 30 100 [7] Marine invertebrates 10 25

The conditions of the elephants could be improved greatly. Stop treating animals cruelly. The zoo keeper was scaring the elephants with a sharp needle like pole. Either give the animals their freedom and shut the zoo down, or transfer them to an open zoo. Great work done with the trees and flowers though. Stop animal cruelty is all I will say. Hope this message reaches the relevant authorities.

Wonderful experience walking around the zoo, we didn't expect it to be big, but it turned out to be huge! You can easily spend up to 5 or 6 hours here! Saw a few animals that I wasn't expecting to see here, but it was a pleasant surprise.

On 28th January 2024, we visited the zoo. It’s really an awesome place to visit for kids. But the only problem is that they’re not maintaining it well, most of those buildings, and roads are broken. As well as the cages are not cleaned well.

One of the largest and oldest Zoos in whole of Sri Lanka. Can find a variety of species in here. They have separate butterfly garden and aquarium as well. There are atleast three canteens throughout the Zoo and the prices are moderate. They even do some shows during certain days with birds and elephants. The also provide fish massage which was a latest addition to the Zoo.

Really good zoo experience and especially enjoyable for kids. Quite liked how all the animals are easily visible without much obstruction but yet adhering to the safety as well. The animals looked healthy and well taken care of. The entry fee differs for certain nationals. Indians should mention that they're from India to avail a cheaper rate. There is an optional buggy available but I think it's better to cover by foot and explore it while getting some exercise at the same time. Overall, a neat and well maintained zoo. There is a sea lion and elephant show but it didn't match our timings as we were only visiting Sri Lanka. But I've heard it is worth watching and waiting for.

The zoo has so many incredible collection of animals from all over the world. Efforts made to increase the home space of animals during the time to time renovations are highly appreciated. However facilities provided for some animals were not satisfactory. Also has an aquarium that has some cool stuff in. Further tours can be done by golf carts on hire at the entrance.

It's wonderful place. Children have more space to enjoy. Can observe all the animals closely

My heart goes out to the elephant dance..,

Great place

Comparatively less amount of animal categories then in the past. But there are so many new attractions. New tiger spot is marvelous.. Go according to the numbers. Then you won't miss anything. There are two places to get lunch. One is a restaurant where the lunch is too expensive. Go to the welfare canteen. Cheaper but good food.

This is a good place..enjoyed alot. The aquarium is superb!!! Need to visit again since there are things to watch again and again... I highly recommend this place to anyone...not only locals but also foreigners .. Cool 😎

Very nice place to buy healthy fish they even open early and close late and the fishes are not that much expensive!!

Best Prices, Healthy Fish, All Locally Bred, Good Collection and Variety of Plants and Fish as well as accessories, Manilka is a Second Generation Fish Breeder and a very nice chap to talk to and gain advice about all sorts of aquarium life.

This aquarium is the best place in Colombo to buy fish.The owner is very kind and have a good knowledge about fish.

kind responding for phone calls

Good fish

One of the best places to visit if your a fresh water fish maniac. Keeping fish is good and this place makes you want to exceed the expectations. A friendly customer service and quite good prices. Need anything in specific just request him and he'll arrange one for take away soon. Look for manilka Ayya.

Dehiwala Zoo or the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka was set up during 1936 with the sole ambition of providing ultimate protection to a wide range of wild animals and birds. When you are here, do not miss the impressive performances from elephants, chimpanzees and sea lions. It is one of the most amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka. Location: This zoo is located at Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala. Highlights: This place is one of the members of WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums). In order to encourage breeding, this zoo is actively involved in animal exchange programs. The place is known for its exotic varieties of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and marine invertebrates Timings: The zoo is open from 8.30 AM to 6:00 PM on all days. Price: Approximate price starts from 100 LKR for adult and 30 LKR for child, for foreigners 500 LKR for adults and 250 LKR for child.

The Dehiwala National Zoo, which has a remarkable collection of exotic and indigenous fauna, is one of the oldest Zoos in Asia. The Zoo in Sri Lanka is widely known as Colombo Zoo all over the world. One of the best Zoological garden in the region.animals also have a good foods and neat and clear rooms i think recommend of good Zoo map in the main gate displaying. Elephant rides, pony rides, restaurants, boat riding, ice cream shop, and a souvenir shop are available facilities for the visitors.I went on a week day and it’s not crowded. Aquarium, Zoo Museum and reptiles area was opened. Also kids are really enjoyed with fish area.

Amazing place!!! Love it :D

New Lucky Fancy Imitation jewellery wholesale shop

A one of the best interesting place to visit with the family

Nice place to relax near Colombo in the evening. There are different kind of stalls(handmade items, flowers, cloths) most of the days. Food stalls are available there everyday.

Good place for relax ..

Good place to spend you free time with your loved ones.

There is various kind of live sea fish in there. Good place to visit. Good place to chill with friends. Baddest thing is cant take Photos with DSLR and can take photo with mobile (Lanka Logic). Mr. Gothabaya Rajapaksha develop this place

Beautiful zoo

Wonderful

Went after a long time. A lot of modernization now. Sea lion play and elephant dancing are no more. It must be because of the corona. Lots more places to build. The washroom is kept very clean. There is a slight lack of animals. But good. There are two restaurants. The restaurant next to the elephant gallery is clean. But the food is expensive. A one mixrice costs about rs.650. But the food is delicious. The place is tidy.

Not very crowded these days. The best way is to go early in the morning so you can complete the whole experience and due to ample parking available in the area.The place is kept very clean and sanitized. The exhibits have been repaired and it's more interesting to see than before. The animals can also be well seen now due to good maintenance. Almost all animals look healthy. But I don't recommend the small canteens inside. Very poor service. Food also tastes horrible. Other than that the place is fine to visit for a day out with your family or partner. Not very crowded these days. The best way is to go early in the morning so you can complete the whole experience and due to ample parking available in the area.The place is kept very clean and sanitized. The exhibits have been repaired and it's more interesting to see than before. The animals can also be well seen now due to good maintenance. Almost all animals look healthy. But I don't recommend the small canteens inside. Very poor service. Food also tastes horrible. Other than that the place is fine to visit for a day out with your family or partner

Some attractions were not available due to maintenance. Other than that the experience was good. Some of the water ponds seemed dirty. The ostrich cage needs another layer of fence to increase the distance between the visitors and ostriches.

It is a safe place to bring you are kids. There is a kids park inside the zoo, and its cost 100 for a game. Entrance fee is reasonable..

TO be in Dehiwala area with my little son and thought to check out the zoo.. A good day out and cheap .about 10 km from colombo city centre ,recommend taking a taxi Large in size its a really busy place. when you travel with small kids you need to rest with then. but Zoo is lack of resting places.would like to recomend people who authorized to maintain the environment nicely and give these animals the natural environment as they born.and would like to recomend this place to all the visiters for sri lanka.thank youthe zoo has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world.__TO be in Dehiwala area with my little son and thought to check out the zoo.. A good day out and cheap .about 10 km from colombo city centre ,recommend taking a taxi Large in size its a really busy place. when you travel with small kids you need to rest with then. but Zoo is lack of resting places.would like to recomend people who authorized to maintain the environment nicely and give these animals the natural environment as they born.and would like to recomend this place to all the visiters for sri lanka.thank youthe zoo has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world.

Very nice place i seen ever there are all types of animal category and big place so if we want to observe and enjoy the whole zoo we need a day, we don't worry about refreshment and food because there are some many canteens hotel and washrooms also available

It was a good experience for kids and relaxed outing for us. National Zoo has sevaral kinds of indegenous and foreign species. They have Elephant show everyday around 4 pm.Also they have little play area for kids as well. Management introduced a numbering machanism where helps spectators to roam around the area.

Cool staff. Less crowded. Can use more animals as some of the cages are empty. But no big deal. There are multiple restaurants available in the zoo which was amazing. And the gift shop is cool as well (items are less expensive)

Went to Zoo after several years. Now it is well organized... Just follow the number order and you won't miss anything. The eco friendly cage was amazing with so many birds and animals. However some animals still need more care...

The arrangements are fine. You need to move a circle to visit all the animals. The greenery inside the zoo makes the walking easy.

This place is absolutely fabulous, plenty of animals and the best part is they let you feed them ...x How cute is that. The price is super reasonable Definitely if you’re in Sri Lanka you should visit this! Perfect

Very nice experience! So clean. Good maintenance. They have clean bathrooms and rest benches placed everywhere. There's a little play area for children too. The lush greenery and the secluded areas for aquarium, reptiles, museum are commendable. THe elephant show starts at exact 4.30. lasts for js 15 minutes. Good variety of animals too. I don't regret visiting at all!!!

Good to see they've done some improvements in the recent years. There are some new big cat enclosures. Maintenance and upkeep seem to be going on strong too, and hopefully will continue in the future.

Today, we went to the zoo and wanted to share our experience. It had been a long time since our last visit, and it brought back some memories. Despite several areas undergoing repairs, we were able to explore most of it. Kudos to the staff for maintaining the place well, especially during the financial crisis. Overall, it was a positive experience, and we hope the zoo continues to provide memories for future generations. 1. Ticket Prices for Locals Adults: LKR 250 Child: LKR 100 2. Parking should be done on the road.

The mistreatment of the animals at this zoo is clearly evident. They are malnourished and are not provided the required habitats for them to thrive. The standards of care in this facility have sunk too far below the threshold of what is acceptable. Please do not support this and if you are from a country that provides good care for zoo animals, then do not go here as it will break your heart to see animals treated this way.

My visit to the Zoological Garden in Dehiwala was truly delightful. The diverse collection of animals, thoughtfully arranged habitats, and educational exhibits made for an enriching experience. The well-maintained facilities and lush surroundings created a pleasant atmosphere for both visitors and inhabitants alike. The zoo staff were knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the various species and also some of them will try to lure you into touch and hand feed some animals in the cages for money. But it is a punishable offence if you got caught bribing and being inside the same cage with animals. In addition there is a zoologycal library as well for educational purposes. The food stalls inside the zoo is also well maintained and clean. We are unable to watch the sea lion and the elephant shows because it is a weekend. Finally families, nature enthusiasts, and animal lovers will find the Dehiwala Zoo to be a wonderful destination, offering an engaging and memorable day out.

Best animal collection in sri lanka, but they dont have enough space to live, most fish have only 2×4 tank. They deserve more than that. All of them have same problem just like in jail without guilty...😥😥

(Translated by Google) Gala uda maha gedara (Original) Gala uda maha gedara

Good for children

Good

Love the trees and gardening but not satisfied with the animals

Staff at the entrance and security guards are friendly.This is one of the oldest zoological gardens in south east asia.They have good collection of fishes,animals,reptiles and birds.some of the areas really need refurbishment and government must support them.

I see all

Dehiwala Zoological Garden great place for all ages especially for kids. A day's worth of adventure and learning. Go when it's not too hot. If you been to Colombo, Sri Lanka and didn’t visit the “Dehiwala Zoological Garden”, you are missing out! Must do things are • Elephants Dance Show • Sea lion performances

One of the best zoological gardens. I visited their night zoo so far. There are no big amount of animals. But some nocturnal animals, fish and reptiles were there. I went on a week day and it’s not crowded. Aquarium, Zoo Museum and reptiles area was opened.

Nice place to enjoy our free time.

This place is best place to watchdog animals and get a relax (specifically get relax) And so on all of this is only you need is a very cheap ticket

The aquarium is done very nicely. Inside the aquarium very calm and quiet. The Zoo is very crowded during the holidays.Sea horse is really attractive animal for kids. Also kids are really enjoyed with fish area.Really good zoo experience and especially enjoyable for kids

Good Place to visit with your kids..

Nice place but these days it is closed

Amazing 👏

Go see animals

I loved the animals, however the treatment the animals had were so poor. The management needs definitely take care of the animals a bit more better

Because of elephant dance

Good

This is the mail Zoo in Sri Lanka...There are Elephants,Lions, Giraffes, Crocodiles, fish, zebras, tigers, leopards, reptiles, birds, butterflies..🦓🐘🦁🦚🦒

Its time we move away from this cruelty.Inhumane treatment of animals and caging them ina small spaces is not acceptable.

Best for children

Grateful

S.K.T.C.M DISTRIBUTORS is the place where you can collect milk powder.

Great Zoo

It's very useful

Just another huge zoo worth the visit but better not to expect a lot.

Nice place. But no facility for animals

Beautiful

Don't like to see animals in cages.. went there for a project otherwise I would not visit it and or take my kid there..

Enjoyable place For kids and adults....

Marvelous 😁

Lovely place. Very near to city. Its an advantage.

Very important place in Sri Lanka

Nice place to spend free time and see various kinds of animals.

Good place but poorly maintained. Less crowded between 12 PM to 4PM. No dedicated parking and should consider parking roadside. Lots of cafeteria available, and plenty of drinking water. Some animal cages stink so bring something to cover the nose in some places. Some places flash photography is prohibited, please read the signs as it affect the animals. If ots possible dont take plastics and non degradable material, there's no ban but it can affect the animals.

Just like when we visited 5 years back. Lack of maintenance was obvious.

(Translated by Google) In nice (Original) V nice

Awesome experience with some new upgrade additions.

Ok

👌

Beautifull place

Way cleaner it used to be

Good place highly recommended

National zoo in srilanka

Best Place to spend your date with animals and nature...

Amazing coloured fish and he owner knows his stuff! Well spoken and nice and all the african cichlids i got were a reasonable price. The location was the only issue, look for a tiny gate in the lane . Will definitely go back !!!

Trusted and good service

Best place for 🐠, Love the place and healthy fish

Best place to fish.There is a variety of fish for cheap prices.They give you an excellent service.

A friendly guy and the quality for the price is spot on. Really recommend this place.

Best aquarium in the Dehiwala

Good place for quality ornamental fish and convenient price.

Wonderful place for fish

high quality fish and good price highly recommend

Best place to buy fish, highly recommend

so many and beautiful fishes + low prices

Very nice place... have lots of varieties to choose...I love this place and very kind person..

freshwater aquarium

Quality Aquarium FISH

Good prices and healthy fish

Superb

very interesting place for enjoy with family. there are so many animals like local and foreing. very useful to learn about the animals

The most famous zoo in sri lanka and you should visit

There lots animals

එන අයට මුදලේ වටිනා කමට කැමබිමත් දෙනවා නම් හොදයි.

(Translated by Google) Good. Lots of food and drink inside. (Original) හොදයි. ඇතුලෙ කෑම බීම නම් ගොඩක් ගනන්.

Good places for family to spend the day. Not even the children, the adults love this place😂😂😂

So interesting.. and had fun

Today zoo open or close?

Very good place. Well maintained.

National zoological garden

👌👌

People do their best to look after these animals. Good verity off flora & fauna can be found here. Nice experience. Better if they can make it a city zoo.

Nice and lovely place to spend a evening

There are many uncommon aquarium fishes. Very decent environment

You can enjoy seeing fish here. A must to visit place with kids. They will surely enjoy this fish aquarium.

Big fresh water tanks in a circle. Big Gouramies

Nice place to relaxation..

There are many uncommon aquarium fishes.Very decent environment

Lots of people coming with burka not sure about sefty. This is not a afaganistan place

A fun place to visit and watch the fish. An ideal spot to relax.

Nice place to spend with family.

Nice place to hang out with family

Mind relaxing beautiful place.....

Best place to relax

Worth coming to relax.

Beautiful and very pretty

Lots of lovely plants to buy .

I guess better than it was.....Now gain tanks are maintain......I enjoyed my visit

Nice place for the everyone

Nice place

It is good for buy some goods related to plant

(Translated by Google) A place to display beautiful fish created on the idea of ​​the current President. It's a great place for kids to hang out. Very clean and systematically maintained. Different types of fish can be seen. (Original) වත්මන් ජනාධිපතිතුමාගේ අදහස මත නිර්මානය කල අලංකාර මාලුන් ප්‍රදර්ශණය කරන තැනකි. කුඩා ළමයි බෙහෙවින් ගැවසෙන හා ආසාකරන තැනකි. ඉතා පිරිසිදුව ක්‍රමවත්ව නඩත්තු කරයි. විවිධ මාලු වර්ග දැකිය හැකිය.

(Translated by Google) A very nice place. Be sure to visit. (Original) Çok güzel bir yer. Mutlaka ziyaret edin.

Nice place to spend your evening. little bit crowded in the weekends, but give it a try. The tanks are well maintained and clean place. Thank you very much for the people for the effort to keep the place clean and tidy. You can see good variety of fishes. Really recommend this place to your whole family.

Not much of a selection.

Excellent enviroment to relax..!

Peaceful place good place for a outing or jogging family outings

You can watch some sea 🐟 freely

Good place to relaxing

Diyatha Uyana Aquarium, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka. Diyatha Uyana Aquarium. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka. There's a lovely new aquarium at Diyatha Uyana, the site of the Good Market, near Water's Edge.

Freely can access and so many items

Well taken care aquarium with a decent number of fish. Definitely something to visit

(Translated by Google) Aquarium pieces 10 total. But the park is excellent. And eat where (Original) Аквариумов штук 10 всего. Зато парк отличный. И поесть есть где

Place for pleasure

Amazing place

Relaxation place and its a small business area. Price are with in $$

Super

This is really nice and relax place #parking available in week days but week end difficult in side the park

(Translated by Google) It is placed outside the park and there is no charge for anyone to watch it. There are about ten large tanks filled with different fish (Original) 放在公園外邊，不用收費，任何人都可以觀看。大約有十個大缸的水箱裝著不同的魚

Graet but need more events to atract people only few animals are there.

Good experience

Good

Zoo is closed but website says it's open please update

Beautiful place

Closed! Without waring. No signs. And 3 wasted trips to try to get in

Dehiwala Zoo, also known as the National Zoological Gardens is one of the most widely recommended places to visit in Colombo. It is home to a diverse array of exotic animal species in addition to being one of the oldest zoos in Asia. The zoo presently houses around 2,500 animals in all, actively working towards their protection and conservation. Besides being the ideal treat for wildlife enthusiasts, the zoo is also a favourite amongst nature and botany lovers alike. The zoo is an active participant in animal exchange programmes which promote breeding. The refreshing greenery of the gardens will leave you wanting to come back!

Visited twice, love it!

Nice

Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens is the most wonderful and highly widely places to visit in colombo. The zoo prepare houses around 2000+ animals. And we have can see all there activities and conservation.

particular zoo which was further taken ahead by various others. Basically known as the Dehiwala Zoo, the real name of the zoo is the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka. The place is a flourishing landscape that is housing over 2,500 splendid animals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and much more. The distinct species does not limit to the ones found in Sri Lanka but there are animals from various other countries too. Not only the fauna, but the tropical flora of the zoo is also renowned for its diversity among its visitors. The visitors can experience the variety of the species kept in the zoo along with close interaction with the various harmless birds and mammals. They also get to witness the lifecycle of various animals and insects along with the breeding and symbolic patterns of butterflies and fish. Also, the two of the most popular activities of the zoo, elephant dance & show and the other being the night safari is a must-to-do. The soothing green flora and dense wood patches in the zoo make it even more appealing to the tourists. Also, one can unwind themselves in the butterfly garden where they could witness the colorful myriad of butterflies fluttering over their heads. You must take help from the zoo map in order to not miss any part of the sprawling zoo.

Nice place to visit. Clean and clear environment. They maintain the premise regularly. Parking is not available. So you have to park at the side of the road or to use a private parking facility.

Collection of animals were similar for last couple of years, Infestation of rat's weren't taken care of in recent years. Seen some birds eggs were broken - some animals seems to be sick as well. The ticketing procedure was well maintained according to COVID 19 guidelines - But the people weren't acting accordingly. Plus the main canteen food isn't tasty at all.

When I was Kid I love the Zoo cause I love animals, but when i grow up I hate Zoo cause I love animals 😪❤️. Anyway ticket price for Foreign tourists are little high. HHowever they still care about the Animals. Good place to visit! ❤️

Went today (8/9/2020) after the heavy rain. There were trees fallen down and the viewing of big cat was not possible due to that. But the place is good. I specially would recommend the golf cart that they provide for viewing. The staff member is well educated about the place and the cart can accommodate 7 people at once. They charge Rs 2000 for a 1 hour 45 seconds ride and it is really worth it. It will save your time and further will provide you the necessary guidance. Food corners are not functioning that well these days maybe due to the less crowd. There were no cotton candy stations functioning. Place is under renovation and hope they will improve it more. Specially they have removed the previous small cages and have shifted animals to larger areas so that they have more space to roam around. I personally do not like to see animals in cages so this is quite a good initiative according to my opinion

Good place. Have restaurants and restrooms inside. Takes roughly six hours to look around completely. Could have a look at elephant, penguin, sea lion circuses, if you are available at the schedule

It is one of the oldest zoos in Asia.

Such a lovely place to visit with the family

Nice place for everyone!!!

Awesome 👌place to kids

An awesome place to be with anyone.

Awesome place

good

Surely a good place to go if you want to see old animals (almost an elders home for animals)

❤️Great place to go as a family. Everyone from children to adults will love it👍❤️

In the past this place was good and now it is very deserted due to Covid-19

One of my all time favorite places to go. Best place to see many types of native and exotic animals. Recently included a museum also.

Went there in Oct 2021. Covid environment prevailed. Not too crowded. Expected more animals. Lot of cages were empty. Suggest to discontinue these kinds of zoos and start open zoological gardens like "Ridiyagama Safari Park" for the animals to live freely. Animals in this zoo are mentally depressed and behave awkwardly.

Best place to relax and have a good time with your family. The animals are well taken care of by the staff. There is a large scale restaurant in place where you can have your meals. Also small outlets are there to serve the visitors as they passes by. There is a elephant entertainment show in the evening. Please do support the staff to keep the place clean and tidy.

Entrance fee is very reasonable for locals. But its not same like past days, animals are less in numbers.i liked very much this place in my childhood. But my son not enjoyed.

Poorly maintained in comparison to former days. Elephant Dance as well as the Sea-lion show has been discontinued with. Swings, electric cars and similar type of playing is available but it's not the expectation of visiting the zoo.

Great place to bind with your kids, seeing fifferentvanimals and their habitat. The variety if animals surely made it worthwhile to visit with your kids. Just need to maintain it's cleanliness and safety.

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is a zoological garden in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, founded in 1936. Animals test COVID positive here. One such example is a lion named Thor.

Not much animals now days. It was a nice place ones but now days nothing to see much

Most of the animals are now not there. They could improve a lot. Toilets were cleaned. Staff are friendly and helpful.

My rating was 4 star, because many of the animals was taken off the cage temporarily. And the zoo was under construction too. I hope it will be better in nxt year.

If you love animals and respect their freedom, don't go to this place. More you go, more they earn. More they earn, more they expand. Image credits to the owner.

Calm place. can visit with their children, family or relatives. Well maintained. But if you'll visit any holiday, try to get the tickets earlier cuz there are many peoples front of the ticket counters. Also ticket prices are reasonable. And foods are available inside of the zoo.

Good for children. Need more food cabins in the weekdays.clean toilets. Clean place. Overall nice and clean place today.

Nicely maintained. But not like old days. Few animals and birds. Can't blame anyone. Country situation is such.

I really interested in this place, I am animal lover, nice garden with lot of beautiful species, everything is fine but unfortunately there is no animal show anymore

Good place to spend leisure time. Tickets prices are Rs 200 for adults. Not too much animals like in the past. Should improve quality of service.

Parrots were delightful, it was their feeding time. The ostrich is rather engaging, almost always comes over to say hi to visitors. Lots of flowers, the lotus will bloom soon.

The 4 Star is for this zoo is still same as like it was 30 years ago and day by day animals getting reducing, not a single activity happened on a Sunday visited very recently, it's the same old Zoo, Friendly staffs- try to take outside food due to food court services are quite delay and most time horrible pride Rice only available, unable to find quick bites- tickets adult rs200/- kids 50/- below age 3 Freeland these are residents rates not for foreign nationals.try to move forward according to numbers 1-60, you will get confused from number 55 and may miss the( very few) snakes section, we hope there will more Animals, insects ,birds,fish in future for kids knowledge enlighten purpose only otherwise it's a curse for them to caged .

Various kinds of animals are here.Well kept zoo.Thanks you zoo mangment.

Nice place for kids and nice place to picnic too. But need to maintain good environment to attract more locals and foreigners. I give 3 stars for now. Thank you

Love this place. This is a best place to spend your free time with children. Soo yeah go and visit now !! They even have a museum if u wanna know about animal's history and stuff visit there too and also dont forget to watch sea lion show and elephant show. Enjoy !!!

If you're looking for a fun and educational day out with your child, the National Zoological Garden is an excellent destination. This place is located in Dehiwala on the 176 Bus Route. parking is available, you can enjoy the zoo's vast collection of animals, including an animal museum. However, buying food within the zoo can be expensive, so it's best to bring your own snacks and drinks to save money. It's important to follow the zoo's rule and only feed the animals where it's allowed to ensure their health and safety. Overall, the National Zoological Garden is a must-visit destination for families with children, with a diverse range of animal exhibits and attractions to keep you entertained all day long.

I visited this place with my 4 year old and it happened to be his first visit to a zoo. There are lot of animals and birds which one will enjoy to see. It also has small shops for refreshments. We went in the end of March and it was really hot and humid. This was the only reason we did not stay for long. They also have a small park inside with lots of swings for children. However the entry tickets for foreign nationals are way to high.

There seems to be animal ls are not feeding well. There are various kinds of animals living here and there are some show from elephants and sea lions. You can show some foreign animals species for your kids from here. But the space allocation is not enough for animals. National zoological departments should have more attention on this.

Best place to relax and have a good time with your friends. The animals are well taken care of by the staff There is a elephant entertainment show in the evening. Please do support the staff to keep the place clean and tidy.

It is a short distance from the capital of Sri Lanka. Parking facilities are not good. But inside the zoo is interesting. Some cages were closed due to a lack of animals. The new museum has opened.

Dehiwala Zoo Garden is a mixed bag of experiences. On the positive side, it offers a diverse collection of animals from various parts of the world, providing an opportunity for kids to witness foreign species up close. The shows featuring elephants and sea lions were entertaining and added some excitement to our visit. However, I couldn't ignore the concerns raised by other reviewers regarding the well-being of the animals. During our visit, it was apparent that some animals were not feeding well, which was disheartening to see. Additionally, the overall space allocation for the animals seemed insufficient, and this raised questions about their comfort and welfare. Despite the shortcomings, the zoo's location is convenient, and the entrance fee is reasonable. It's an accessible option for families looking for an outing with their kids. Nevertheless, I believe the National Zoological Department should pay more attention to improving the living conditions of the animals and ensuring their proper care. In conclusion, Dehiwala Zoo Garden has its merits, particularly for those wanting to expose their children to a variety of animal species. However, the concerns regarding animal well-being and space allocation cannot be overlooked, warranting some improvements to enhance the overall experience.

The ocean exhibit at the local zoo is a captivating experience. The aquarium is stunning, with a diverse range of marine species. The simulated waves create a tranquil atmosphere. The educational aspect is informative. The only downside is that it can get crowded during peak hours. Overall, it's a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

My wife and I often visit the national zoo very often with our little girl who is in that age in which kids are mesmerized by animals. Although we are not huge fans of the zoo concept we enjoy our visits. It had been opened in the colonial era and the neighbourhood had become very urbanised and developed so in comparison the zoo has not aged well. So parking is a bit of a problem. Specially on weekends when people literaly come in thousands. Zoo is good. Good diversity of wild life. Well maintained. So good experience. And the cost is very low. So looking for a cheap family outing,this is your place. Bit of tips 1. Try to avoid weekends. Massive crowd cannot enjoy at all. Parking can be a nightmare. You will have to pay a guy who is a con man. 2. Try going early morning or after 2o clock. By 11 most animals would be resting. We had the best experience going at around 3.30p.m. 3. Try to stick to the map with the numbering system. There are hidden areas you will definitely miss if not. 4. Recently they have introduce a few interactive programmes like feeding the giraffes .....so be on the lookout for the time. If there is an elephant dance or a sea lion show do not miss it. Your kid is going to love it. So will you. 5.They charge you a very low fee. So please act responsible. Do not be like an unchaged animal that some visitors tend behave like. 6. If you are looking for a budget family outing this is your place. Bring your own refreshments. There are plenty of resting places with clean running water. But please be responsible with the leftovers. 7. Its a zoo. Animals are in lockup. Not the most cheering place. So if you do not like that concept this is not your place. Visit Ridiyagama rather.

I visited the National Zoological Garden in Dehiwala recently, and I must say it's a great place for kids and education. there was a huge rush weekends and public holidays, as better to go week days. if you go in your own whehicale , threre was a pvt parcking space there

Animals are over all healthy. The sign boards can be improved. Currently the map in the front office and the animal's locations are little different. Very good place for spend time with your kids

It's not what it used to be, they fixed some of the issues they had in the past and improved a lot, I don't feel bad about the animals since most of them were rescued from various situations and the zoo staff took good care of them. It's one of the unique places that you can visit in Sri Lanka,

There are many different types of animals and there are events that can be experienced very well. Many kids like this experience. That's why I highly suggest to come with kids. I don't know the exact amount charged for tickets for tourists.

Overall good place to visit see the animals. The ticket price is affordable but need upgrade the zoo some place still constructive. Add more animals and fishes.

More varieties of animals lives here, good if some one there to explain you about animals , inside they got bird feeding , elephant feeding which will cost you Rs250 ( Make sure to take a tickets other wise it will go into there pockets which is normally happening) . No proper car park if you traveled by car you can park nearly 150m away from zoo by the road or inside the temple which they use car parking. Sunday is the busiest day and action day.

It's nice to visit to see these animals the ticket is reasonable but they can maintain more. The restaurant is in the middle is good clean and good staffs. We had coffee there really fresh

It is a paradise with full of birds, animals,fish,snake, crocodiles,plants.There are plenty of living things.We can take children and explain about birds and animals. Nowadays the amount of animals and birds have reduced.In my opinion this place needs more concern in renovation bcz it is a tourist attraction place also. Inside of zoo there are shops and restaurants also.we can have food there.

There are things that need to be improved (like empty tanks in aquarium and lack of marine fish for a tropical country with many reefs, smelly areas, "green" lake etc) but well worth the visit for the ticket price. Had many tigers and big animals specially. Recommended!

Dehiwala Zoo, situated in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Spanning over 11 acres, the zoo boasts a diverse collection of wildlife, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the animal kingdom. The zoo's well-designed enclosures provide a comfortable habitat for a variety of species, from majestic elephants to playful primates. One of the highlights is the fascinating reptile house, where visitors can marvel at a wide array of snakes and lizards. Additionally, the bird aviary enchants with its colorful feathered inhabitants, creating a delightful experience for birdwatchers. Dehiwala Zoo also contributes to conservation efforts, participating in breeding programs for endangered species. Educational programs and informative signages enhance the visitor experience, promoting awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving biodiversity. The zoo's well-maintained grounds and amenities, including snack kiosks and picnic areas, make it an enjoyable outing for families. However, occasional crowded periods may affect the overall experience. Despite this, Dehiwala Zoo remains a valuable institution for fostering an appreciation for nature and wildlife in the heart of Sri Lanka's bustling capital. While the zoo provides an enriching experience, it's important to note that some enclosures may benefit from further enhancements to ensure the well-being of the animals. Adequate attention to ongoing maintenance and continuous efforts to create more spacious and naturalistic habitats could elevate the overall visitor satisfaction. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is commendable, and the interactive programs designed for children contribute significantly to fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. The live shows and demonstrations featuring well-trained animals showcase the importance of coexistence and understanding between humans and wildlife. Visitors should consider planning their visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds, enhancing their ability to appreciate the exhibits at a more leisurely pace. Additionally, periodic updates to the facilities and attractions could further elevate the overall experience. In conclusion, Dehiwala Zoo remains a valuable asset to Sri Lanka's cultural and natural heritage, providing a unique opportunity for locals and tourists alike to connect with the diverse wonders of the animal kingdom. With a few refinements and continued dedication to conservation, the zoo has the potential to evolve into an even more exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

It’s really an awesome place to visit for kids especially. But the only problem is that they’re not maintaining it well most of those building and roads are broken. But other than that I really enjoyed the time I spend there.