The Open Air Zoo has been built in an expanse of 44 acres in Pinnawala on behalf of animals endemic to the country. The Open Air Zoo, put up meeting international standards provides an opportunity to the visitor to observe the movement of animals such as deer, leopards and crocodiles as well as birds. Visitors were afforded an opportunity to visit the Zoo opened on the 17th of April free of charge up to the 01st of May.

Viewing of the freely roaming animals was a novel experience for the people. But the people who visit the Zoo after 19 days of its opening say that it is not worth paying 100 rupees as the entrance fee.

But National Zoological Director Anura Silva claims that the people will have to wait for some time until the work on the second stage of the Zoo is completed to observe the free movement of animals.