Description:

A zoo is a place where different kinds of animals are gathered. For those of us who love animal sightings, zoos are still in operation today. Bangladesh National Zoo is huge and quite old too. The place is very clean. Many tourists also come here for a picnic. Juveniles are often brought to zoos.

Location and Architecture and Nomenclature:
Bangladesh National Zoo is established in Mirpur, Dhaka. It is an institution under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Government of Bangladesh. The zoo was established in 1950 as an animal exhibition in the High Court premises. Later in 1974, it was shifted to its present location in Mirpur. The zoo was inaugurated and opened to the public on 23 June 1974. About 30 lakh visitors visit Dhaka Zoo annually. On February 5, 2015, the name was changed from Dhaka Zoo to Bangladesh National Zoo.
It takes 45 minutes to walk from Mirpur bus stand no 1 and 20 minutes by rickshaw.


History:

In the late nineteenth century, the then Nawabs established a private zoo in Shahbagh of Dhaka city. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Bangladesh or the then East-Pakistan lacked a zoo. In the late fifties, a small zoo was established in front of the Supreme Court of Dhaka in the present Eidgah area covering an area of 4-5 acres. The zoo had a large pond and a balaka exhibit covering some of the shore area. There were swans, mallards, winter migratory ducks and other birds. Herons, storks and peacocks were also displayed. There were monkeys, Hanuman and deer. Among the reptiles pythons and crocodiles were the chief.

The first official decision to establish a modern zoo in Dhaka was taken in 1950 AD. A notification of the then Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Relief announced the establishment of a zoo and botanical garden on the outskirts of Dhaka. The proposal was finally announced on 26 December that year. A decade passed without any initiative to set up a zoo. On March 11, 1961, an advisory council was named in a notification of the Department of Food and Agriculture. The task of this council was to advise the government on the establishment and management of proposed zoos and botanical gardens. Later the Director of Animal Husbandry Service was appointed as the member secretary of this council.


Attractions:

Distribution and animal diversity:
The area of the zoo is about 75 hectares. There are two lakes of 13 hectares in the premises of the zoo. According to the information obtained from the zoo information center, there are currently 2150 animals of 191 species in Dhaka zoo. However, there are 2,622 animals and birds of 138 species in the zoo, said the Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Mohammad Chhayedul Haque.

Animal Museum:
There is an animal museum inside the zoo. From horse eggs to thousands of years old turtles can be seen here. Also there are different species of snakes and other animals in this animal museum. Along with this, the skeletons of different species of animals can be seen, the fossils of different species of extinct animals can also be found in this museum.


What To Do:

How to visit the zoo:
To visit the zoo, enter the zoo and go straight. A big map of the whole zoo can be seen if you go a little further. A monkey cage can be seen in front. After meeting the monkey, go to the hand or side.
You should go slowly to the right by turning around with your hand or side. In this way, the whole zoo must be completed. Zoo has also given this rule. So that all the animals of the whole zoo can be seen.


Things to do inside the zoo:
1. Refrain from feeding zoo animals.
2. Ferocious animals such as tigers, lions, snakes should be kept at a certain distance from the cages of these animals.
3. If accompanied by small children, they must be kept close at all times. Hold hands if necessary. Because, the zoo is very big and there is always a lot of people here. Once a child is lost, it will take a long time to find him. This will make the fun trip miserable..And if, one gets into such trouble, don't worry, there is a group of members inside the zoo, who are always ready to help. The sound of their mics is heard upon entering.
4. It is better to take water and snacks before entering the zoo. Because, it is possible to get tired of visiting such a big zoo. Moreover, one has to travel through high and low places.
5. Try to go to the zoo wearing revealing clothes as much as possible. It will reduce fatigue.
6. Try to wear walking shoes.




Conclusion:
All in all it can be said that Bangladesh National Zoo is a very beautiful place for tourists, especially those who love animals.