The Yellow Anaconda hatchling which was reported missing from the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens recently, has been recovered. The hatchling was found inside an iron box within the Herpetarium of the Zoo, less than 24 hours after the Zookeeper in charge of the relevant section was interdicted in connection with its disappearance.

The hatchling, measuring between 1.5 and two feet in length, was the only Yellow Anaconda in the Zoo. It was part of a group of six snakes belonging to four different species, which were seized by officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake from a woman attempting to smuggle them illegally into the country. The snakes were handed over to the Zoo on 15 September of this year (2025), for quarantine and care.

A formal complaint regarding the disappearance of the hatchling was lodged with the Dehiwala Police on 7 December. The Zookeeper had initially claimed that the snake had escaped after the enclosure door was left open inadvertently. Despite an extensive search operation conducted over several days by the staff, the hatchling remained unaccounted for. Following a preliminary inquiry into the incident, the Zookeeper was suspended on 16 December. Subsequently, the hatchling was discovered safely inside an iron box located within the Reptilium.