The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka in Dehiwala signed up with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations today (16 ), by carrying out the conventional ritual of oil anointing on its animalsa gesture thought to bring good health and blessings for the year ahead.Taking center stage in the ceremony was the zoos oldest resident, a 153-year-old giant tortoise, recognized as the earliest living animal in Sri Lanka.
In a symbolic moment, oil was carefully anointed on the ancient tortoises head.The routine started with the Kadol elephant, continuing a traditional custom of blessing elephants throughout the New Year period.
The head of a brown bear, recently gotten by the zoo from the United Arab Emirates, was likewise anointed with oil as part of the festivities.The event was organized by the zoos management team under the assistance of Director General Chandana Rajapaksa and coordinated by Deputy Director Dinushika Manawadu.