THE National Zoo in Dhaka has sought Tk 1,260 crore requested for modernisation. The zoo’s director says that the existing infrastructure is outdated and logistical shortage hinder proper animal welfare. The modernisation proposal says that the 75.53-hectare facility, which houses about 3,300 animals and attracts roughly 40–45 lakh visitors each year, would be reorganised into five thematic habitat zones. The plan also envisions replacing conventional cages with natural barriers, planting native trees along a new boundary wall and creating a recreation zone for children. In addition, the redesign includes about seven kilometres of walkways, two tram routes and boating facilities for visitors. Officials say that the master plan, finalised in 2021, would improve animal welfare while potentially increasing the number of visitors by up to 80 per cent. The fisheries and livestock ministry has already spent Tk 16 crore on preparing the proposal. The record of the zoo authorities, however, raises serious questions about whether a massive public allocation can genuinely improve animal welfare without first addressing long-standing failures of governance and care.
For years, animal rights groups, wildlife experts and even parliamentary committees have criticised the zoo for persistent neglect and mismanagement. Reports have pointed to a chronic shortage of veterinary staff and medical infrastructure, leaving only a handful of veterinary surgeons to care for more than 3,000 animals. The consequences have been visible in repeated reports of illness, injury and premature death of animals, including lions, tigers and giraffes. Experts have also warned that many animals display abnormal repetitive behaviour, a recognised sign of psychological distress caused by confinement and unsuitable living conditions. Investigations have showed poorly maintained enclosures, dust-filled cages and barren grounds where animals are kept in inappropriate environments or even with incompatible species. Concerns have also been raised about irregular feeding practices and the quality of nutrition, with earlier observations suggesting that many deaths were linked to a lack of knowledge of species-specific care. The zoo had for long allowed exploitative practices such as elephant rides that forced animals to carry a large number of visitors each day before the activity was halted after sustained pressure from activists. Against this background, the plan which emphasises visitor amenities such as roads, tram routes, boating facilities and recreational zones, risks appearing less as a reform of animal welfare and more as a beautification project designed to attract more visitors.
The modernisation plan should, therefore, prioritise appropriate animal care over beautification. The first priority must be to address the welfare of the animals by ensuring proper veterinary capacity, nutrition, habitat design and scientific management. Modernisation must be measured in the health, dignity and survival of the animals.
