Gazipur Safari Park: At least 37 animals dead or missing in five years

The number of animals at Gazipur Safari Park has dropped sharply in recent years amid allegations of mismanagement, negligence, and theft.

Park officials say at least 37 animals have died or gone missing over the past five years. To prevent further losses, 32 CCTV cameras have been installed and staff strength raised from 69 to 93.

The issue drew attention after the park's last giraffe, an ageing female from Africa, died on October 23 while undergoing treatment.

An autopsy found tuberculosis as the cause of death, said Safari Park Wildlife Inspector Raju Ahmed.

Despite repeated attempts, the park's veterinary surgeon, Hatem Sajjad Mohammad Zulkarnain, could not be reached for comments.

Officer-in-Charge Tarique Rahman said several thefts and escapes have occurred in recent years. Two green-winged macaws were stolen in November 2024, three lemurs in March this year, and a nilgai escaped in January. Another of the same species fled in 2021.

Environment ministry sources, however, said the macaws and one lemur were later recovered and returned.

Tarique said work on strengthening the boundary wall has yet to begin but will be carried out gradually across 3,690 acres. Tourist Police Superintendent Nihad Adnan Tayan added that a help desk system is being planned to enhance security.

Meanwhile, official records show that animal deaths have increased in recent years. A lion and a wildebeest died in December 2021; 11 zebras, a tiger, and another lion died between January and February 2022. Ten giraffes were imported from Africa in 2013 and multiplied to 13 through breeding, but all have now died. The park has also been without kangaroos since three died in 2021.

Environment ministry sources said the giraffe's death was not unexpected given the park's ageing population and poor structure, though some new births have occurred. "We don't announce these publicly for security reasons," said a source, preferring anonymity.

Core In-Charge Rahul Pal said the park now houses about 1,300 animals, including tigers, lions, bears, wildebeests, nilgai, chitra deer, maya deer, zebras, and nyalas.

Visitors said the once lively park has grown quiet. "People are losing interest since there are no giraffes," said visitor Nazmul Hasan. Ticket sellers also said sales have fallen sharply except on Fridays.

Tarique noted that the park has 30,000 visitors per month.

CONCERNS OVER MISMANAGEMENT

Animal rights activists have blamed poor management and planning for the park's losses.

"The repeated deaths of giraffes represent not an accident but a systemic collapse," said Rubaiya Ahmad, founder of Obhoyaronno Animal Welfare Foundation.

Poor habitat design, lack of professional staff, and outdated equipment, she said, have left veterinarians overworked and animals uncared for.

She added that the park's vast land could have been turned into a model for humane, semi-free wildlife management. "But most of it remains unused due to poor planning and lack of scientific vision."

Rubaiya called the import of exotic animals "ecologically irresponsible", adding that without proper conservation partnerships, it is a misplaced ambition rooted in vanity rather than science.

Conservation biologist Shahriar Caesar Rahman echoed concerns about management but noted that importing foreign species is not inherently wrong. "Such animals thrive elsewhere when provided proper care and habitat design. The problem is not that they're here -- it's that we fail to keep them well."

He urged a focus on native wildlife and rewilding efforts. "Bangladesh has countless native species people barely know about. Parks should prioritise their rehabilitation."

Meanwhile, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the park should not have been under the Forest Department, which "struggles to manage the forests themselves".

"Running a safari park requires different expertise," she said, suggesting a joint public-private management model where professionals handle operations while the department retains ownership.

Rizwana also opposed importing exotic animals. "If we can't care for our own wildlife, why bring in foreign species? International law under CITES requires trafficked animals to be returned to their countries of origin, not displayed in captivity."

She said the government is working to overhaul the existing model and amend the Wildlife Act to allow joint management of safari and eco-parks, combining conservation with responsible tourism. The amendment is expected to be placed before the advisory council within two weeks.