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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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