Missing Anaconda Discovered at Zoo: Apparent Theft Attempt Uncovered

 The yellow anaconda cub, which was reported missing from the reptile section of the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens, has been found less than 24 hours after the suspension of the employee in charge of that section. The animal was discovered inside an iron box within the reptile garden itself.

The background to this incident dates back to September 15, 2025. On that day, six snakes belonging to four different species, illegally brought into the country by a woman, were apprehended by customs officials at Katunayake Airport. Subsequently, these animals were handed over to the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens for safe care.

Among these animals, quarantined in the zoo's reptile section, was the only yellow anaconda cub in the country. This animal, approximately one year old and 1.5 to 2 feet long, was reported missing to the Dehiwala Police on December 07.

At that time, the employee in charge of the animal stated that due to his oversight in not properly closing the cage door, the animal might have escaped. Accordingly, the zoo staff launched search operations, scouring the entire zoo for several days, but found no trace of the animal.

However, as the disappearance was suspicious, a preliminary investigation was launched, and its report was submitted to the Director General nine days later. Acting on this report, the authorities took steps to suspend the reptile keeper last Tuesday (16).

The remarkable aspect is that the anaconda cub was found inside an iron box within the reptile section itself, less than 24 hours after the employee's suspension. Mr. Chandana Rajapaksha, Director General of the Zoological Gardens, confirmed that an employee from another section of the zoo found the animal, and that the animal has now been located.