Museum

The Zoological Museum at the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, houses an impressive collection of over 8,000 specimens. This diverse collection includes both wet and dry specimens, as well as skins and skeletons of various Sri Lankan and exotic species. The specimens are utilized extensively for undergraduate teaching and research purposes.

On a daily basis, the collection expands through generous donations specifically made for ongoing research projects by undergraduate and postgraduate students. Our museum is fortunate to have a qualified museum curator who oversees the collection, ensuring the proper collection of specimens and their preparation, which includes techniques such as wet preservation, dry preservation, preservation in resins, and taxidermy.

Additionally, we have a dedicated group of academics involved in natural history research across different taxa. These experts play a vital role in managing the specimen collections associated with their respective areas of expertise.

Opening times for Visitors:

We enthusiastically invite school children, research students, and the general public to visit our museum and delve into the wonders of our collection, expanding their understanding of various aspects of natural history. Whether you’re seeking to broaden your knowledge or simply curious to explore, our doors are open to all who are eager to learn.

• Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
• Closed on weekends and public holidays
• Contact us to reserve days.-Curator (Museum) 0714439367,Department of Zoology-0112804515

Our Collection

Herpetofaunal Collection: The collection of herpetofauna includes a wide range of amphibians – toads, frogs, salamanders, newts and caecilians, and reptiles – snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises and turtles.

Fish Collection: The museum also maintains a variety fluid-preserved, resin blocks and stuffed fish specimens. The range of specimens include those found in fresh, brackish and marine waters.

Avian Collection: The avian collection consists of skins, stuffed specimens, and bones of many bird species.

Mammal Collection: The museum also maintains a variety fluid-preserved and stuffed mammal’s specimens and also full skeleton of some mammals and skeletal parts (skull, limbs, and girdles) were preserved inside the Museum. This collection offers an excellent resource for undergraduate teaching.

Invertebrates: We have a miscellaneous collection of invertebrates which include terrestrial, freshwater, and brackishwater species collected from around the country as well as from different continents.

Entomology Collection: The Entomology section consists of variety fluid-preserved, resin blocks and dry preserved insects specimens (whole specimens, appendages mounted on microscopic

---