In 1996, conservation oriented captive breeding program for King Cobras, Ophiophagus hannah was established with seven adult King Cobras (three males and four females). Four of these were on breeding loan from Indian zoos and three had been seized by the Wildlife Department from snake collectors. The purpose of this captive breeding program, was to film documentation and supply to zoos to prevent taking of King Cobras from the wild. The hatchlings from the breeding program were sent to different zoos in India and a pair to National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka.