Yala National Park animals suffer under El Niño conditions

Yala National Park is experiencing significant impacts from the prevailing El Niño conditions, with wildlife director general Ranjan Marasinghe reporting severe stress on the animals. The primary concern is not just the lack of rain but the extreme daytime temperatures, which are disrupting the animals' natural living patterns.

While animals are managing to find water, the intense heat is proving difficult to endure. Wildlife authorities are taking all possible measures to ensure the animals' safety and well-being. However, if the situation deteriorates further, a temporary closure of Yala National Park is being considered from September 14 to October 15.

This potential closure would specifically affect Block 01 of the park. Blocks 02 and 03 would remain open to visitors. The decision to close Block 01 is also partly to protect the park's roads, as heavy rains during this period could lead to tank overflows and damage infrastructure.

Marasinghe noted that if sufficient rainfall occurs and temperatures normalize before the scheduled closure date, the park could reopen earlier. The situation remains under close observation by wildlife officials as they manage the challenges posed by the current weather patterns.