The Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens has reported the theft of 32 pigeons, according to zoo officials.
Deputy Director Hemanta Samarasekara said a formal complaint has been lodged with the Dehiwala Police, adding that the theft is believed to have occurred either on Friday night (3rd) or in the early hours of Saturday (4th).
The pigeons were stolen after the culprits broke open the cage in which they were kept. These birds had been housed at the zoo under court orders, as they were presented as evidence in several ongoing legal cases.
As a disciplinary measure, the officer in charge of the section has been suspended pending inquiry, Samarasekara confirmed.
Police said no leads have yet been found regarding suspects or the whereabouts of the stolen pigeons. A special investigation into the incident is now underway.
