The National Zoo at Mirpur in the city is now buzzing with new inmates as the authorities procured 51 animals and 209 birds in last two months for better entertainment of the visit.
The 51 animal of 21 species and 209 birds of 19 species have been brought from South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Canada and India. Ten more animals and birds will be brought in the zoo.
Talking to the news agency, curator Dr ABM Shahidullah said the number of visitors was increasing following the procurement of the new animals and birds.
He said the new animals and birds have already started taking local food and they will be tolerant to the temperature in Bangladesh.
To enhance beauty of the zoo and attract more visitors, the government decided to procure animals from different countries.
Accordingly, there was a decision to bring 270 animals and birds of different species at a cost of Taka 95 lakh.
Tenders were invited in December 2011 to procure those animals and birds. Completing the necessary procedures, Falcon Traders got the job.
The new inmates of the zoo include giraffe, horse, camel, Asian elephant and other species. Of the new animals, a greater kudu and an Oring have died. The supplier company will give their replacements.
The zoo’s nutrition officer Abu Sayeed Khan Kamal Bachhchu said though the animals were born in open forests, they are gradually coping with their lives in cages.
Established on 186 acres of land in 1974, the Mirpur zoo has 117 shades capable of housing 2,200 animals. The zoo had about 2,100 animals even in 2007, which came down to 1,800.
-With BSS/New Age input
