Loading...The Bangladesh National Zoo (Dhaka Zoo), located approximately 16 km from the heart of Dhaka city in Mirpur, is the country’s oldest and largest zoo. It is a part of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock of the Bangladesh Government. Established in 1950 as an exhibition of animals at the High Court premises, the zoo has evolved over the years and has transformed into the current structure we see today.
Spanning an area of about 75 hectares, the zoo includes two lakes covering 13 hectares. According to the information provided by the zoo’s information center, the zoo currently houses 2,150 animals from 191 species. The main purposes of the zoo are public entertainment, the collection and breeding of rare and endangered wildlife, conservation of animal biodiversity, education, research, and raising awareness among the public.
The Bengal Tiger is the primary attraction of the zoo. Along with various domestic and foreign animals, the zoo also houses hundreds of species of birds. The zoo features semi-natural lakes, with large pelicans perched over the water. In the natural environment, you can find Bengal Tigers and Lions. Among the many bird species, you can also spot Flamingos, colorful pheasants, the endangered kite, black vultures, and the Shankha Chil (Osprey).
As you enter the zoo, you’ll immediately notice the monkey cages. Watching the antics of numerous monkeys, both large and small, will make you lose track of time. Continuing ahead, on your left, you will see a large aviary, home to flamingos with long legs and curved beaks. Other birds such as the Canary, pond herons, and kingfishers can also be seen here. The national animal of Bangladesh, the Royal Bengal Tiger, is housed here along with Indian lions. Passing the lion’s cage, you’ll find enclosures for tigers and bears. The zoo also features fast-moving animals like the cheetah.
This is just the central part of the zoo. In the northern section, there is a North Lake, and nearby you can see tigers from the Sundarbans in their natural habitat, along with lions. An artificial water body houses elephants. On the northern-southern long stretch of the zoo, you’ll see a horse-shaped water buck, zebras, and other animals. The zoo is also home to the extinct Nilgai species in Bangladesh. The animal museum has 240 stuffed animals, birds, and reptiles on display. In the far south, there is a South Lake with Babla Island, where you’ll find a lone rhinoceros from Kenya. In the nearby Babla Island, the winds are silent, and the rhino doesn’t seem to be moved by them. This is where you will also find the chimpanzees, a major attraction for all visitors, especially children. The chimpanzees are often seen holding the bars and playing, while also grooming each other.
The zoo is also home to various duck species, lovebirds, munias, ostriches, and crows. On your way out, you can witness the Chital deer in a natural Sundarbans environment.
Opening Hours:
- Summer (1st April to 30th September): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Winter (1st October to 31st March): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Weekly Closed: Every Sunday
Entry Fees:
- Entry Fee: 10 Taka
- Animal Museum Entry Fee: 2 Taka
- Elephant Ride Fee: 5 Taka
- Horse Ride Fee: 3 Taka
- For students on an educational tour (upon application): 50%-100% discount
- For orphans and the physically or mentally disabled: 100% discount
- Children aged 0-2 years: Free entry
Picnic Spot:
- Festival and peaceful picnic spot usage: 2,000 Taka for a full day and 1,000 Taka for partial use
Visitor Guidelines:
- Be compassionate towards animals.
- Cooperate with zoo staff.
- Leave the zoo before sunset.
- Always keep an eye on children and stay at a safe distance from animals.
- Do not feed the animals or throw items into their enclosures.
Special Facilities for Visitors:
The zoo offers two picnic spots, “Nijhum” and “Utsab,” for recreational activities. There is also a children’s park for games and entertainment, separate prayer facilities for men and women, and a central mosque for visitors.
How to Reach the Bangladesh National Zoo:
From any part of Dhaka, you can take a rickshaw or bus to the Sony Cinema Hall circle in Mirpur. From there, head north towards the zoo, and you can reach it by rickshaw or bus. The fare is around 20-25 Taka.
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