The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo is Sri Lanka’s first open air zoo which has been declared open to the public as of April 2015. Located within proximity to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the zoo spreads over an expanse of 44 acres which has been landscaped without harming its natural beauty. Since Sri Lanka is home to a rich diversity of animals, the zoo consists of two zones “Sri Lankan” and “World”. However, currently the zoo is home to a number of native animals such as deer, leopard, crocodiles, species of monkeys, birds, turtles and many more. The “Sri Lankan” section of the zoo will also include a special open section displaying the free-roaming Sri Lankan Leopard which is guaranteed to be a beautiful sight. The Sri Lankan Leopard is a leopard subspecies that is native to the island alone and is classified as one of the endangered species to roam the earth. Leopards are mainly spotted in dry evergreen monsoon forests areas, arid scrub jungles, rainforests and low and upper highland forests. So, it will be interesting to witness these predators at Pinnawala for a change. The “World” section is said to be constructed to hold a number of non-native animal species which is currently being look at. The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo was proposed to be constructed in line with International Standards and so far the authorities have taken steps to maintain their promise. A number of facilities such as dining venues and areas to relax will be offered to local and tourists alike who visit the zoo. Since it’s located adjacent to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, chances are that you can plan your holiday around it and make a quick visit to both places without much hassle. The Pinnawala zoo is home for the many endemic animals in Sri Lanka. The zoo is divided into 7 enclosures, where the monkey island, Bird aviary, Amphibian area.

I started my ride from kandy to Pinnawala on my road bicycle, paddled almost 60kms, and ride was awesome to witness the ups and downs on the road. The facilities at the orphanage were impressive. The elephants have ample space to roam freely, and their enclosures are well-maintained, clean, and designed with the elephants' needs in mind. It was evident that the staff prioritized the elephants' physical and emotional health. Overall, my experience at the Elephants Orphanage Zoo was nothing short of amazing. I highly recommend visiting this place if you're looking to connect with elephants on a deeper level and support a worthy cause. The dedication of the staff, the well-being of the elephants, and the educational opportunities provided make it a truly exceptional destination. Kudos to everyone involved in this fantastic initiative!

Newly opened zoological garden in Pinnawala, has a lot of space compared to tightly packed Dehiwala zoo. 🐗🐴🐺 Is this a good zoo? Well, that you should ask from the animals, right? And I believe no prisoner will say that their prison is better than their lovely home. 🌳 🥺

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Pinnawala open zoo. We are walking around inside area.it's very very super experience. We saw different type of deer's, crocodile, leopards, bear, donkeys, flamingo, pony, rabbit , swan and most significant section was butterfly garden . The tour 3 hours with my girlfriend. pinnawala zoo has a very good green environment.it's very good maintain staff. we are enjoyed that day

The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo, which opened to the public in April 2015, is Sri Lanka's first open-air zoo. The zoo, which is next to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, is spread out across 44 acres and has been planted to preserve its natural beauty. Because Sri Lanka has such a diverse range of creatures, the zoo is divided into two zones: "Sri Lankan" and "World." However, the zoo now houses a variety of local creatures, including deer, leopards, crocodiles, monkeys, birds, turtles, and many others. The zoo's "Sri Lankan" section will also feature a special open area where visitors may see the free-roaming Sri Lankan Leopard, which is sure to be a stunning sight. The Sri Lankan Leopard is a leopard subspecies that is only found on the island of Sri Lanka, and it is one of the world's most endangered species. Leopards are mostly found in locations with dry evergreen monsoon forests, arid scrub jungles, rainforests, and low and higher highland forests. For a change, it will be exciting to see these predators at Pinnawala. The "World" area is claimed to have been built to house a variety of non-native animal species that are now being studied. The Pinnawala Open Air Zoo was supposed to be built in accordance with international standards, and the authorities have so far kept their word. Visitors at the zoo will have access to a variety of amenities, including dining options and relaxing areas. Because it is so close to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, you can probably schedule your vacation around it and visit both destinations without too much trouble. The Pinnawala Zoo is home to several of Sri Lanka's indigenous animals. The zoo is divided into seven enclosures, with the monkey island, bird aviary, Amphibian area, and Pet area 2 still being built. Throughout the zoo, there is an internal road network. The seven main enclosures are Area for pets, Pond with swans, Enclosure for deer, Enclosure for crocodiles, Enclosure for leopards, Enclosure for bears and Garden of butterflies.

Good for a long walk where few animals and species are available to be seen in a larger space than Dehiwala Zoo.

This place needs lot of improvements. Some cages are empty. This place can be better. Canteen is not operated at the moment. Tickets ware priced as 110/= for local adults as at 5th March 2022. Ample parking available. Easily accessible. If you are visiting here try elephant orphanage also

As of end of 2021 I won't recommend this place for anyone. I can easily count the number of animals in this place. Not enough variety. There is about 1500m of walking inside the zoo. But the main purpose of the place is not covered at all.

Walked at leisure around the zoo, viewing some unique exhibits that i saw for the first time in my life. There is a variety of animals but no more. Arrangements is good and no more crowd.

Lots of animals are there than expected. The zoo is well-kept. Thanks, zoo management for that 🙏. Activities like feeding Sambar deer & love birds are available at an extra cost. You can hire an electric vehicle for an extra cost. There is a children's park and a restaurant inside. I recommend this zoo to anyone who loves animals and nature.

The environment there is beautiful. There are some animals in the zoo but not as Dehiwala zoo. Since you are visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, it is ok to visit the zoo. Otherwise it's not worth it to come all along to visit only the zoo. Parking is available. Bus route to Rambukkana is located next to the zoo.

Great experience... so much of fun ...

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Pinnawala open zoo. We boarded a buggy cart which took us around to see the animals. We saw different type of deer's, crocodile, leopards, bear, donkeys, flamingo, pony, rabbit , swan and most significant section was butterfly garden . The tour took us one hour and the tour guide was excellent. The guide explained very well, in detail. The children are enjoyed

A nice place to visit together with Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala, Pinnawala Zoo has few animals which are separated in large spaces where they can live according to their natural habitat. Some areas are under maintenance and hopefully we can see more animals in near future 🤞🏻.

If you are foreigners Don’t waste your Time and Money here, There are plenty of other great places in Sri Lanka. It’s not value for money to you. For the local tourist it’s okay to spend some more hours or the evening specially with your kids. Few varieties of Animals and and very few of Animals in each variety. With in an hour you can complete your visit here. I’m giving 3 ⭐️ because of the cleanness. #need to develop a lot.

Public zoo loacted in Pinnawala. Good place to spend your leisure time with the family. Wish they had more animals. Ticket prices are fair.

Not bad. Good place for animals. They have a little bit of freedom in here. Still not finished the construction. Can recommend 🙂

Pinnawala zoo is a good and very enjoyable place. They have arranged everything nicely. All of zoo area very clean and beautiful place. Animals living freely. They charged reasonable price for elders and childs.Hope we can see more animals in future.

Located near famous pinnawla elephant orphanage . Parking available. Ticket prices are reasonable. Not muh crowded. Good place for children . Animals leisurely placed on large cages bit similar to their normal life style. Within 02 hours you can cover entire zoo.

The concept of the zoo is really nice.they are having animals live freely in thw zoo while we move about and observe them. We got a buggy vehicle to move around (21/4/2021) which was Rs.1200 for seven people and that is the best way to observe the zoo. The person who is comming with you in the vehicle know the zoo really well and he will provide all the necessary details. Thwy wven have eagles living there, nesting there freely and since food is aviailable and the area ia know it seems the animals don't want to leave the area. Even those who were in covered areas had large spaces to roam around. It was a very nice experience

Pinnawala zoo is located near Pinnawala elephant orphanage. First to mention that this is not a place for safari. Most of the animals are in spacious areas surrounded with fences and steel bars. There are some animals wandering freely. Nice and calm area to relax and spend time. There's no rush in the zoo. Number of animals are less. There's a well maintained wash rooms and cafeteria. As there are many places to sit and watch animal behavior, this zoo gets some points than Dehiwala zoo. Overall experience is good and worth paying a visit.

Very nice and calm place. Limited animals are there due to place is under development. Soon we can see many animals in this zoo. Very spacious and clean place Staffs are very supportive You can enjoy your day here with your entire family. Highly recommended 👍

Very creative. Well maintain. Saw lots of animals specially deers and donkeys. Tigers were free in their cage. Roads also good. Dont forget to go butterfly park its go beautifully

As an Indian, I am in love with the concept of this zoo. You can actually see the animals up from close. They have deers, birds, crocodiles, lepords, bear and a tiger. I just wish they would have some more animals. And yes you need not to buy the tickets separately, it’s included in the elephant orphanage ticket cost.

Pinnawala open zoo is a interesting place close by to the pinnawala elephant orphanage. However there is not many variety of animals here yet the good thing is the animals have been given much more space to runaround rather than just putting them on cages. The Museum for crocodiles is interesting. and the leopards and the bears are interesting to watch

There are lot of animals to see. Some of them does not have enough space.Personally I dont like caging animals.

This zoo has no long history but according to my knowledge this is the biggest open zoo in Sri Lanka.Unfortunately there are no so many animals.But it is well maintained.The leopard section is more attractive.While you visit this you also can visit Pinnawala Elephants Orphanage and the model village premises. You can get meals there and there are some shelters to rest.Fabulous place to spend your holy days with your family.

Next to the pinnawela elephant orphanage. Only a few animals. Mostly dears, few leopards and could spot only a single bear, there were flamingos and was able to spot a crocodile

Good zoo. Beautiful animals. You can feed some, like leopard. Also there is a little butterfly garden. You can buy combo tickets to Pinnawala elephant orphanage and zoo.

Overall good place to show your kids part of kingdom anamalia. Washrooms are in very poor condition . Cafeterias are also very poorly managed.

I encountered some exhibits I'd never seen before. While it lacks a wide variety of animals, the arrangements are good, and the crowds are minimal, making it a pleasant outing. Take it when visiting the Pinnawala elephant orphanage.

Good place for children , and staff keep it clean , need more than a 4, 5 hours to cover the all the area .. ticket price rice due to Vat increase Adult -Rs. 250+ VAT , Children Rs.100+ VAT

Vast place.hope they add more animals

No so many animals but it’s still a match place for family or friends to visit in the weekend, large green park, fresh air also nice for couples to walking around 👍🏻

The concept is good. A good place to spend a day, for both kids and adults though it needs some improvements.

Animals have much freedom, but there are only few animals living here

Not that many animals in this zoo. But nicely planned zoo. Well maintained.

Nice place to spend time with family and friends. They still have few animals. More will be added. It’s so nice to see them living freely, instead of cages.

Nice experience with big area to relax and watch animals

Good place to visit. I visited the zoo after covid-19 lockdown.

It's not as expected. Very minimum animals, bear is like a dog, they don't have a locker to put our huge bag, i carried the bag around the zoo.

Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of sheltered trees and meticulously crafted garden landscapes, Pinnawala Open Zoo offers a refreshing departure from conventional zoo experiences. As a nature enthusiast and animal lover, I found myself enchanted by the expansive open spaces where animals roam freely, fostering an atmosphere of comfort and harmony. One of the most striking features of Pinnawala Open Zoo is its commitment to providing a natural habitat for its residents. Instead of confining animals to cages, they are allowed to roam in vast open areas, reminiscent of their natural habitats. This not only ensures their physical well-being but also allows visitors to observe them in a more authentic setting. A highlight of my visit was the opportunity to interact with various species through feeding sessions. From the graceful birds to the majestic tigers, every encounter was a memorable experience. The availability of feeding tickets, priced reasonably at Lkr. 300 plus 18% VAT, grants visitors the chance to engage with the animals while supporting their welfare. The diversity of wildlife at Pinnawala Open Zoo is truly impressive. From exotic birds to elusive deer, there's something to captivate every visitor. However, it's worth noting that some species, such as elephants, bears, and certain reptiles, were absent during my visit. Despite this, the zoo's efforts in providing a home to a wide range of animals deserve commendation. Beyond its resident fauna, Pinnawala Open Zoo boasts impeccable architectural design, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings. The harmonious fusion of lush greenery and well-planned pathways creates an inviting ambiance for exploration and relaxation.

Good place to spend time with family, friends or loved ones. Not too many animals there but a good calm place.

beautiful Location Few animals

Calm and quite place

Very good place for children. Visit on weekdays to avoid the big crowds.

The location is excellent. The staff is pleasant. Have Good account of knowledge about some animals. However, there are only a few species to keep an eye on. Good place for hang out ; hide and seek ;-)

Good clam place and suitable for children

This place is still new, but it's has been maintained well .😍😍

This is a zoological gardens.It is an open air zoo but not enough space for animals. You can see well maintained trees and plants here.There are swans near the entrance.If you are a deer lover you can see various kinds of deers here like mouse deer, hog deer and barking deer. I saw innocent cute ponies. You can see flemingos.But it was very sad to see that they haven't enough space to fly.There were a crocodile enclosure, leopard enclosure and bear enclosure .My favorite part is the butterfly garden.So many butterfly friendly flowers were there.I saw some blue glassy tiger and common crow butterflies.Very calm environment . Remember not to disturb animals. Don't take photos with flash light on. Use alchohol and smoking is prohibited.

Perfectly maintained place. But there is no more Animals. But the park is very beautiful.

Needs more funding, Staff are devoted towards the animals. More activities targeting awareness on Elephants could make a huge difference. Prices of items in the souvenir shop should be rethinked to be affordable for locals too. A dual system or separate products should be on offer.

Great place to visit

Guides were really good, wish there's more and more to see. Currently this is not a finished project but love the open environment concept. However these animals are well treated although I wish they were in the wild. However there's always something to learn. Recommend going in the morning because with their open environment concept they've built a wonderful butterfly garden where they've built a habitat friendly for butterflies and as a result during the morning there's an area filled with various types of butterflies as they said. Although I went on with the tour to that area we were in the evening and didn't get to see much butterflies during that time of the day. If you're hiring a Cart it would be LKR1200 for 6pax. That's 200/p. I unfortunately don't remember the entrance ticket price but it was very cheap. BTW when you buy the Cart you get a guide too. So that's really good rather than watching gather some knowledge.

Pinnawala Zoo is a small zoo located in Sri Lanka that offers a chance to see a variety of animals. Although the zoo is small, visitors can still observe a few different types of deer, crocodiles, leopards, tigers, bears, and other animals. The ticket prices for locals are quite reasonable, with adults paying 250/-, children 100/-, and school students 50/-. The prices for tourists are also affordable, with adults paying 10 USD and children 5 USD. SAARC countries visitors can enter for 8 USD for adults and 4 USD for children. While Pinnawala Zoo may not have as many animals as some larger zoos, it still provides an enjoyable experience for those who want to see and learn about wildlife in Sri Lanka. The ticket prices are affordable, making it a great option for families and tourists on a budget. Overall, if you're in the area and looking for a fun activity, When you visit to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage visit Pinnawala Zoo also is worth a visit.

The National Zoological Gardens in Sri Lanka began its operations in 1936. The government took over the 11 acres of land that belonged to a German businessman Jhon Hargenbeck who had been using the area as a holding ground for animals before they were exported to Europe. In 1948 the government acquired more lands and the area was expanded up to 21 acres. The Dehiwala Zoo had been widely recognized as a tourist attraction since it had a large collection of animals. However, its location in a fast developing suburb of Colombo, has posed a series of constraints that has limited its expansion and upgrading to meet the high standards expected of a modern zoo. Hence the zoo authorities were compelled to seek alternative solutions to the problems. As a result the brainchild for the Pinnawala zoo was born.

Pinnawala Zoo is a relatively new attraction in Sri Lanka, opened in 2015 as the first open concept zoo in the country. It is located near the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and covers an area of 44 acres. The zoo aims to provide a naturalistic environment for its animals. Pinnawala Zoo is a great place to enjoy a day out with family and friends, and to learn more about the wildlife of Sri Lanka and other regions .

Lots of already opened areas are not properly maintained and quite a few areas are still under construction. The Bear and the Bengali tiger seem to be stressed by their behaviour, you can feed the sambar deers, and vegetables also sell at the premises to feed them. Quiet calm and nice environment but not wl maintenaned

Not much animals but nice environment

Open zoo. It is better than cages.

nice place.. unlike dehiwala zoo here..animals have comparatively more indipendant n large area to live. They have tried to give an environment to animals which close to their natural environment. Still only few animals there in the zoo which is still being developed.. Staff is well thorough about animals n their behaviors etc n giving a good knowledge to visitors.. A place must visit.. Pinnawala elephant orphanage is situated few meters away from the zoo n the opposite site of the zoo there is a traditional village theme park which also gives many things to visit...

Loved the way they build this, lot of space for beings. Hope they maintain the same way.

Pinnawala Zoo is a new concept where animals are kept in natural environment and visitors are caged 🤣🤣🤣 . Its a nice experience for kids. You can see Leopards, Bear, Deer and many more animals here. There is no disturbance to the lives of animals. This is right infront of Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

We would definitely recommend this zoo to anyone who loves animals and nature. It is a great place to spend a day with your family or friends. We plan to visit again soon and see more of the amazing creatures that live there.

Pinnawala zoo not worth it, good for a quick stop before the elephant orphanage. Dehiwala zoo has more animals. The day we visited, there were more food stalls than animals 🤦 Highlight was the leopard 🐆 and tiger 🐅, nothing else significant to see. Free parking available inside the zoo premises. 🚗 🚐 🅿️ ✅

Great place but lot to develop

Wonderful place.. feels like natural zoo.. eve good for animals.. not lots of animals but hopefully it will get better...

Very beautiful garden can see inside the park

A zoo located within a vast ecosystem.Designed according to a high quality environmental design. Cool surrounded area which can take a break with animals and also environment. Somekind of animals are in there and also much poor with comparison against dehiwala zoo. But you are free with here.. can enjoyble here with your family or, some kind of meeting or anything in open. Can park your vehicle in the car park and you must take a ticket to enter the zoo...110/= per local adults and nowadays you pay special attention to the helth due to corona virous... They are looking for that.. cafeteria inside the zoo and open hours is 8.30 am to the 4pm.. After 3 pm, they are not issuing the tickets.. Remember it on your mind. Good place to hace a break in your tired life.You are almost free in there.

Pinnawa Zoo is a new and interesting place. Still there are no more animals. But the park it so good for a walk.

Still they developing some areas but all over it best place to visit. Specially children will like very much. Good time to visit is morning time or evening time. Most of the animals active in morning time so better to go there in morning time.

You can have a wonderful experience in a quite environment.

Not a worth place to visit. very bad maintains and very less amount of animals / creatures.

no animals to see

Peaceful and enjoyable experience 🤩. Vehicle parking no problem

Superb place

Good location for wedding shoots

Pinnawala Zoo was opened recently, hence it is still under a development phase. There are not many animals. On a positive note, the animals have a better space to wander about than those who are at the Dehiwala Zoo. Administration has employed a few electrically powered Golf carts to transport visitors around the zoo, which could be reserved for some extra cost.

Good Place to Travel

(Translated by Google) There is not much to see about the lack of animals. Put more animals and improve (Original) සත්තු මදි බලන්න ලොකුවට දෙයක් නැහැ.තව සත්තු දාලා දියුනු කරලා ගන්න

(Translated by Google) Very low level .. Animals are low .. The environment is not adapted to animals. (Original) ඉතා පහල මට්ටමේ ඇත..සතුන් අඩුයි.. පරිසරය සතුන්ට ගැලපෙන් ලෙස සකසා නැත..

Really nice place. Located closely to Pinnawala elephant orphanage. So many animals to look at.

Best experience with Animals....

Pinnawala Zoo is a beautiful and calm place. But It is still under a development. Therefore there are not many animals. Currently, the zoo has some native animals such as deer species, crocodiles, bears, leopards, birds, turtles and more. Animals have good space to wander around. The place is clean and not overcrowd most of the days. You can enjoy your day with your family/friends. You can either walk around or get a transportation service from zoo for extra cost.

This Zoo is near Elephant Park, visited with young children. Animals can freely move around in their dedicated area, they are not caged. Young leopards are there now.

This zoo was built very recently and still there are constructions going on. Zoo is closer to the elephant orphanage. Swans, Rabbits, Deer, Crocodiles, Leopards, Bears, Snakes can be seen in the zoo. plenty of parking available just outside the zoo entrance. One can say its a good place for kids but some will not agree since all zoos are prisons for the animals. So it depends on your attitude

Beautiful park 😍😍😍😍😍

Useless place to visit. Only 4 animals available in this so called zoo 😂 please dont go their and waste your money

Very poor situation, only having few animals, i think there are more workers than animals,

Nice and calm place. But not much of animals to see. Its good to have this close by pinnawala orphanage.

Nice loitering place

There are not that much of animals there but good place to spend some time.

We can't say it's a zoo. Just like Garden. Very few animals can be seen. But nice place to visit on your way to the pinnawala elephant orphanage.

Place to sea wild animals. Not much animals though. If you're a deer lover you can see all kinds of them.

(Translated by Google) Not many animals. Many aviaries are still under construction. (Original) Не сильно много животных. Много вольеров ещё строится.

The zoo closes at 4. So you need to get there by 3 as the counter closes at 3. Nice concept. Can be done in about an hour. Ample parking.

Good place

We can enjoy nature

Not many animal types in there but the place is attractive.

Open zoo make different experience for watching wild animals