The newly built animal nursery and veterinary laboratory at the Dehiwela Zoological Gardens will be opened by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa today.

An Economic Development Ministry press release said these new facilities were built on the directive of Minister Rajapaksa when he visited the Zoological Gardens on April 27, 2010 after assuming duties at his ministry.

The animal nursery is a three storeyed building. The first floor has rooms for all kinds of young animals including carniverous primates, larger ones like the ostrich and bird species with simulated environmental conditions suitable for them.

It also has an ICU for sick baby animals, an incubator, insect propagation unit and observation units for the use of handlers.

The veterinary laboratory is fully equipped to conduct blood and other tests including judicial medical animal samples.

The third floor has a veterinary drug store, an administrative section and facilities for staff.

The renovated canteen has a reception hall for children's parties and free Internet families.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Ministry Secretary Dr P B Jayasundera, Additional Secretary M K B Dissanayake and Dehiwela - Mount Lavinia Mayor Dhanasiri Amaratunga will also participate.