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Located in the Mirpur section of the capital
city of Bangladesh, the Dhaka Zoo is home to more than
2,000 animals from 165 species and is a popular place
to spend the day, both for Bangladeshis and international
visitors. Established in 1974, the Dhaka Zoo has been
developed and improved over the years, and is widely considered
to be one of the best zoos in Bangladesh, receiving hundreds
of thousands of visitors each year.
Visitors to the Dhaka Zoo will appreciate the way the
animal enclosures are designed to make each occupant feel
at home by mimicking the animal’s natural environment
as closely as possible. Of course, the animals are safely
behind bars, but the overall appearance of the zoo, with
its tree-lined pathways and two large tranquil lakes that
host migratory water-fowl each winter, gives one the impression
of being out in the country rather than within the boundaries
of one of the busiest cities in Bangladesh.
Mammals at the zoo include 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 Dhaka Zoo house more than 1,500 birds
from 90 species, and visitors can expect to see peacocks,
rhea, African grey parrots, cassowary, owls, ostrich,
emus, teals, finches, babblers, owls, vultures, eagles
and too many others to mention. Visitors are always fascinated
by the crocodiles and snakes at Dhaka Zoo, while the museum
provides many informative displays relating to the animals
as well as the history of the zoo.
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. |
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