Bangladesh National Zoo
| Bangladesh National Zoo | |
|---|---|
 Zoo Entrance | |
 | |
| 23°48′46″N 90°20′41″E / 23.812674°N 90.3446102°E | |
| Date opened | 23 June 1974[1] |
| Location | Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Land area | 186 acres (75 ha)[1] |
| No. of animals | 2150[1] |
| No. of species | 191[1] |
| Annual visitors | 3,000,000[1] |
| Major exhibits | Royal Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, impala, emu, tapir, black bear |
Bangladesh National Zoo, (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ জাতীয় চিড়িয়াখানা) is a zoo located in the Mirpur section of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The zoo contains many native and non-native animals and wildlife, and attracts about three million visitors each year. On 5 February 2015, the name was changed from Dhaka Zoo to Bangladesh National Zoo.[2]
Established in 1974, the 186-acre (75 ha) Bangladesh National Zoo is the largest zoo in Bangladesh, and is operated by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.[3] The zoo attracts around 10,000 visitors every day with the number increasing during the weekends[4] and holidays. The zoo is also known for its poor conditions for animals and the corruption of its officials.[5]
The yearly budget of Bangladesh National Zoo is Tk 37.5 million, out of which Tk 25 million is spent on feeding the animals.
History
[edit]On 26 December 1950, the agricultural, cooperation and aid ministry officially declared to establish a zoo in Dhaka. Hence the zoo started that time near Dhaka high court with several spotted deer, monkey and elephant. The zoo later shifted to present Eid-gah maidan with more animals.[6] Later in 1961 a board was created to ensure proper management of the zoo. Later, after acquiring animals from internal and from foreign countries, the zoo inaugurated at its present location on 23 June 1974.[7]
Animals
[edit]As of 2024, the zoo is home to 2,150 animals from 191 species.[8][1]
The zoo exhibits 58 species of mammals, including elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, waterbucks, otters, hyenas, deer, giraffes, impala, black bears, tapirs, hippos, lions, many species of monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, and Bengal tigers.[9]
The aviaries at the zoo house more than 1500 birds representing 91 species, including peacocks, rhea, African gray parrots, cassowary, owls, ostrich, emus, teals, finches, babblers, owls, vultures, and eagles. The two lakes at the zoo also host migratory water birds each winter.[9]
Visitors can also see 13 species of reptiles including snakes and crocodiles, and 28 species of fish.[9]
Activities
[edit]Elephant-back and horse-back rides are available at the zoo and fishing also.[9]
Criticisms
[edit]After a number of animal deaths in 2009, the zoo curator and deputy curator were temporarily suspended and a committee was formed to investigate the deaths. Zoo administration claimed that its main problem was the lack of veterinary doctors (it had only one doctor), and that it had already requested additional veterinary staff.[4]
The zoo is noted by international agencies as corrupt, and when two black rhinoceros were sent from South Africa to Dhaka in 2013, conservation groups in South Africa expressed concerns over of appalling treatment of animals, calling it a "Hell hole."[10]
Gallery
[edit]-
Indian rhinoceros at Bangladesh National Zoo -
A pond heron at Bangladesh National Zoo -
Impala at Bangladesh National Zoo -
Sarus crane at Bangladesh National Zoo -
Bengal tiger at Bangladesh National Zoo -
Great white pelican at Bangladesh National Zoo
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "Historical Places: Dhaka Zoo". dhakacity.org. Dhaka City Corporation. Archived from the original on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
- ^ "'ঢাকা চিড়িয়াখানা'র নাম পরিবর্তন করে 'বাংলাদেশ জাতীয় চিড়িয়াখানা'তে রূপান্তর। || Study Press". Archived from the original on 24 May 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ "Dhaka Zoo". world66.com. World66: The Travel Guide You write. 2 April 2007. Archived from the original on 1 May 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
- ^ a b "Dhaka Zoo prepares to welcome holiday visitors". bdnews24.com. 20 September 2009. Archived from the original on 28 July 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
- ^ Parveen, Shahnaz (6 July 2009). "Death lurks in Dhaka Zoo". The Daily Star. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
- ^ বিশ্বের সঙ্গে তাল মিলিয়ে নাম হচ্ছে 'বাংলাদেশ জাতীয় চিড়িয়াখানা' :সব হবে 'ওয়াজা' সদস্য পদ লাভ. Amader Shomoy. 8 March 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014.
- ^ বদলে যাচ্ছে চিড়িয়াখানার নাম [The name of the zoo is changing]. Amader Shomoy. 19 February 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014.>
- ^ ঢাকা চিড়িয়াখানা [Dhaka Zoo]. Dhaka District.
- ^ a b c d "Dhaka Zoo – View Diverse Wildlife in a Natural Environment". bangladesh.com. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
- ^ "South Africa: Rhinos and Lions Sold to 'Hell Hole' Zoo in Bangladesh". SavingRhinos.org. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Bangladesh National Zoo at Wikimedia Commons
