Sri Lanka is filled with diverse wildlife. Yala and Wilpatthu National parks are two of the most sought after wildlife paradises in the island, as they are rich in diversity. As enthusiastic as you are, about visiting animals there are certain unsaid codes that you should adhere to within these National Parks.
We’ve combined a list of things you should know, in order to ensure your safety as well to guarantee an enthralling experience in the wild.
- Do your homework
Yes, you are on vacation but if you have some spare time read on the park that you are visiting. Get to know who its inhabitants are, their feeding patterns, and the times that you will be able to encounter them. Yala and Wilpatthu are famous for leopard trails and sightings and encounters with elephants. Get to know their importance, you will be able to educate those around you to adapt into the nature and having your own knowledge that you can confirm with your guide will provide you with a memorable experience.
- Know what “FUN” is
Visiting a National Park is fun, but remember that the Park is for the wild animals and not yourself. You are simply a visitor witnessing them. A safari is not like a circus or a carnival. You are not expected to cheer out, and scream in enthusiasm when you see an animal in its habitat. Instead, lay low and quietly observe, in order to notice them in their natural day today lives.
3. Act Responsibly
Do not second guess standing up to someone who is violating the codes of the Park. They could be within your crew or in another crew, you could warn them, and if they do not seem to listen you can always leave a complaint with the authorities. Remember that you are a responsible citizen who owes it to the wildlife of Sri Lanka.
- Choose a responsible safari provider
You should make sure that you choose a responsible Safari driver, who drives according to the terms of the National Park. Many accidents have taken place, and innocent wild animals have sacrificed their lives in cases of reckless driving. Do not encourage your driver to speed, no matter how enthusiastic you are to sight a leopard. There is a certain speed limit that one needs to adhere to.
- Don’t provoke animal behavior
You are in animal territory, as excited as you are to get a reaction from the animals provoking them is not going to give you the expected results. Observing a grazing elephant is way better than provoking an elephant to chase your vehicle. Remember that we are the guests, and they are the hosts. The animals know the forest more than we would ever get to know it. Be cautious, in case of an attack simply retreat. Do not at any cost feed the wild animals.
If you follow these simple five steps and maintain silence within premises, chances are that you will encounter animals in their natural habitat, going about their business.