Investigations reveal new information about white cobra missing from Dehiwela zoo
Posted by Unknown on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 | 0 comments
Preliminary investigations have revealed that a valuable albino cobra reported missing at the National Zoo in Dehiwela, has been sold to an unidentified person.
Director of the Dehiwela Zoo Anura de Silva says that investigations into the incident are underway, adding that only a handful of authorised personnel were allowed to enter the enclosure where the snakes were being kept.
Zoo authorities say the albino cobra possibly went missing on either Saturday or Sunday.
Authorities also say the reptile has no scientific value.
The zoo’s director, however, noted that inquiries had been made by various persons wishing to purchase albino cobras.
The missing albino cobra was being kept at a secure location at the time of its disappearance.
While an internal investigation is being conducted by zoo authorities, the Dehiwela Police too are investigating the disappearance of the albino cobra.
The police say that statements have been recorded from two persons regarding the disappearance.
Zoologists say that there is a high prevalence of albino snakes in Maharagama and Piliyandala in comparison with other parts of the country.
On a related note, an incident where three snakes were removed from the Dehiwela Zoo was reported around June 15.
Investigations into this incident revealed that an officer at the reptiles section of the Zoo had removed a cobra, a python and a sand python for use in an exhibition.
