The Dehiwala Zoo marked the Sinhala and Tamil New Year today (16) with a traditional oil anointing ceremony for its animals, symbolizing blessings and good health.

The spotlight was on the zoo’s oldest resident a 153-year-old giant tortoise, believed to be the oldest living animal in Sri Lanka.

The ritual also included the ‘Kadol’ elephant and a brown bear recently brought from the UAE.

The event was led by Director General Chandana Rajapaksa and coordinated by Deputy Director Dinushika Manawadu.