Dhaka Zoo, Bangladesh

Dhaka Zoo is the most popular tourist destination of Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh.  About 10,000 visitors visit this Zoo every day with the number increasing during the weekends.  The Zoo contains many native and non-native animals and wild life.

Established in 1974, The 35 year old zoo is located on 186 acres of land in the Mirpur area of the city, and is home to approximately 2,200 animals of 157 species. There are 57 species of mammals, 61 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, and 28 species of fish.

The yearly budget of Dhaka Zoo is Tk 37.5 million, out of which Tk 25 million is spent on feeding the animals.

The zoo exhibits 58 species are mammals, including elephant, cheetah, rhinoceros, zebra, waterbuck, otter, hyena, deer, giraffes, impala, black bear, tapir, hippo, lion and many different species of monkeys, as well as chimpanzees and baboons. The majestic Royal Bengal Tigers are a highlight of the Dhaka Zoo – which is fitting, seeing as it is the national animal of Bangladesh. Many of the animals, including the zebras, giraffes, impalas, hippos, waterbuck and rhinoceros were brought to Bangladesh from South Africa and have adapted well to their new surroundings. The hippo enclosure contains a sizable lake covered in aquatic greenery that the hippos seem to thoroughly enjoy.

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.

Visitors can also see 13 species of reptiles including snakes and crocodiles, and 28 species of fish.

A particularly popular activity at Dhaka Zoo is going for an elephant-back ride, or for those who have a fear of heights, horse-back rides are also available. A visit to Dhaka Zoo is not only entertaining, but educational too, as visitors get to know more about animals found in Bangladesh, as well as animals from other parts of the world.