Three Cassowary birds are set to arrive in Sri Lanka today (5) as part of an animal exchange program. The birds, consisting of two females and one male, will be transported by air from Thailand to their new home.
Thilak Premakantha, the Director General of the Zoological Department, confirmed the upcoming arrival of the Cassowary birds. Presently, the Dehiwala Zoo already houses two male Cassowary birds. With the addition of the incoming birds, the zoo will have a more balanced gender representation among these magnificent creatures.
Cassowaries are large, flightless birds known for their striking appearance and unique features. They primarily subsist on a diet of fruits, contributing to the preservation and dispersal of various plant species.
Initially scheduled to be transported to Sri Lanka on Monday via SriLankan Airlines, the plans had to be revised due to air conditioning issues. As a result, alternative arrangements were made, and the Cassowary birds will now be transported by Malaysian Airlines.
The arrival of these rare and fascinating birds through the animal exchange program reflects the continuous efforts of Sri Lanka’s authorities in promoting wildlife conservation and enriching the diversity of the country’s zoological collections. The new additions are expected to captivate visitors with their beauty and contribute to the educational and conservation initiatives of the Dehiwala Zoo.
