Conservationist group blows whistle on lucrative ‘bush meat’ business at Ridiyagama Safari Park

By Ifham Nizam

Biodiversity Conservation and Research Circle says it has received reliable information that some zoo workers at the Ridiyagama Safari Park kill and sell animals as bush meat.Convener of the Circle Supun Lahiru Prakash told The Island: “Our organisation has received information that some of the animals at Ridiyagama Safari Park, Hambantota and the wild animals coming from the adjoining forest area are being slaughtered by zoo workers in various ways.”

“We have informed Zoological Gardens of this racket,” he added.

The environmental scientist said that the flesh of the animals slaughtered were sold to hotels and eateries in the area.He added that the Department of National Zoological Gardens or Ridiyagama Safari Park administration had failed to take any action against the racketeers. “A lot of animals have died in recent times, and we know that venison is sold to hotels. There must be a direct or indirect relationship with the zoo staff of Ridiyagama Safari Park, as outsiders cannot come in, lay traps and kill animals in enclosed areas,” he added.

He said that they had asked the Zoo’s Director General to conduct an immediate investigation and take necessary measures to prevent these inhumane and illegal animal activities and severely punish the culprits.

However, when contacted for comment Zoo’s Director General Dr. Thilak Premaratne told The Island that they had not received any information about a bush meat racket. “If we receive any such information or a complaint, we will hold an investigation. We will also enlist the support of the environmental groups.”