Thirty-two pigeons have been reported stolen from the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens, according to the zoo’s management.

Hemantha Samarasekara, the Deputy Director of the zoo, confirmed that a complaint regarding the theft has already been lodged with the Dehiwala Police. However, the police have stated that no information about the suspects or the whereabouts of the stolen pigeons has been reported so far.

The Deputy Director suspects the animals were stolen either on Friday night or early Saturday morning. He explained that the thieves gained access by breaking into the cage where the birds were kept. These particular pigeons are reportedly animals that were being held at the zoo under court order as case property at various times.

Following the incident, Deputy Director Samarasekara also noted that the official in charge of the section where the animals were kept has been interdicted.

The Dehiwala Police have launched a special investigation into the theft.