National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala

The National Zoological Gardens at Dehiwala, south of central Colombo, Sri Lanka, dates from 1936 and is one of the older zoos in Asia. It has a large collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and an aquarium, with shaded paths that suit families.

From Hagenbeck's animal depot to a state zoo in 1939

The grounds began as a collection centre for John Hagenbeck's animal trade. When the Zoological Garden Company was wound up in 1936, the government took over much of the collection, and the zoo officially opened as a state zoo in 1939. Its first director was Major Aubrey Weinman; a later director, Lyn de Alwis, went on to help design the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.

Aviaries, aquarium and around 3,000 animals

The grounds cover about 10 hectares and held roughly 3,000 animals in 2005. There is an aquarium, two walk-through aviaries, a reptile house and a butterfly garden with about 30 species. Animals include jaguars, Bengal tigers, Sumatran orangutans, chimpanzees, Komodo dragons and several kinds of crocodile. An elephant performance is still staged, which some visitors may prefer to skip.

Dated enclosures and weekend crowds

Some enclosures are dated. Travellers interested mainly in Sri Lankan wildlife will get more from a national park safari. It drew about 1.5 million visitors in 2008, so weekends are crowded. Entry is ticketed for foreigners; go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups.