Sri Lankan wildlife authorities will temporarily close Zones 1 and 2 of Yala National Park beginning September 14 due to extreme heat affecting both animals and staff operations.
Authorities have announced a temporary closure of Zones 1 and 2 at Yala National Park effective September 14, citing environmental and operational challenges posed by elevated temperatures. The Department of Wildlife Conservation cited heat stress affecting wildlife and difficulties for park staff as the primary reasons for the decision.
Additional Director General Manjula Amararatna stated that extreme heat has created dual hardship: animals face water scarcity and heat stress, while wildlife officers struggle to perform their duties under such conditions. One source indicates the closure will extend through October 15, though the official duration was not consistently specified across available reports.
Amararatna also highlighted that the high volume of safari jeeps operating within the park during these conditions exacerbates operational challenges for staff. The remaining zones of Yala National Park will continue to operate, allowing public access to other areas of the park during the closure period.
Beyond Yala, wildlife officials are monitoring heat conditions in other arid regions of Sri Lanka, including areas near Wilpattu National Park and the Mannar district. Authorities indicated they are prepared to implement closures or provide necessary facilities at other protected areas as conditions warrant, prioritizing the welfare of both wildlife and park personnel.