Rangpur Zoo is literally in shambles with the animals suffering from malnutrition and dying due to negligence and the dilapidated condition of the enclosures.
Established in 1991, the Rangpur Zoo, on 22.27 acres of land, is the only other government-owned zoo in the country other than the Bangladesh National Zoo at the capital’s Mirpur.
However, the zoo authorities have not upgraded its facilities for the animals or the visitors over the last 3 decades.
Home to many local and exotic birds and animals such as peacocks, lions, tigers, cheetahs, hyenas, and many more, the current condition of the zoo is nothing short of embarrassing.
In the course of 22 years, the families of lions and tigers in the zoo have expanded but no measures have been taken to build suitable accommodations for them. The same is true for all the other animals in the zoo.
There has also been a sharp decline in the number of visitors due to the poor facilities in the zoo.
Zoo officials, who wished to remain anonymous, told Bangla Tribune that the food supply company for the zoo provides them with below-standard food for the animals.
Any complaints regarding the company lead to threats of transfer or harm, the said.
Dr Jashimuddin, the curator of Rangpur Zoo, however, denied any such claims.
The zoo is also in dire need of qualified doctors as animals are dying due to lack of proper medical care.