Pinnawala Open Zoo

Pinnawala Open Zoo is a 44 acre facility divided into two zones, displaying leopards, elephants, lions, and many other species across open enclosures. The layout allows animals space to move while pathways let visitors view them from different angles throughout the grounds.

The project began around 2000 but was suspended early on, restarting in 2008 before finally opening in 2015 after years of construction. This delayed development reflects the complexity of building a modern zoo facility.

The zoo displays mostly native animals from Sri Lanka, including leopards and purple-faced leaf monkeys living in enclosures designed to mirror natural conditions. Visitors get a direct sense of the island's wildlife diversity and can observe creatures that are otherwise difficult to spot in the wild.

The zoo is reachable via the main highway between Colombo and Kandy, with Rabukkana Railway Station about 5 kilometers away. You can arrive by train, car, or local transport, making the location convenient from several directions.

The leopard section is the largest viewing area in the facility, providing expansive space to observe these native big cats. This generous size sets it apart from the other enclosures and makes the leopards a standout feature during a visit.

Location: Pinnawala

Inception: April 17, 2015

GPS coordinates: 7.30056,80.38830

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05