On 21 June 2013, three male and three female zebras were first brought to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Gazipur from South Africa through a contractor named Falcon Traders. Another 19 zebras were brought to the park up to 2015. But unable to adapt to the new environment, 11 zebras died by 2015.

The first zebra foal was born at the park on 14 May 2017, and a total of 25 foals were born up to 18 October 2021. Of the zebras, 10 died of various causes up to 2021, and another 11 died between 2 and 29 January this year.

So while 25 foals were born at the safari park, 32 zebras have died. Although the herd had grown, its number has now fallen to 18.

According to those involved with the park, the zebras roam inside a vast sal forest, alongside wildebeest, giraffes and various other native and foreign animals. Before these 11 deaths, the zebra herd had suffered a similar die-off once before.

Had the authorities been alert then, so many zebras would not have died. Because the zebra is a foreign animal and there is little knowledge of its treatment and diseases in this country, the park fell into this disaster. Even after several days, the country's vets are struggling to find the exact cause.

Test reports have also been sent to South Africa, where the animals came from. So far, bacterial infection is being blamed as the main cause of the zebra deaths, and they believe food caused the situation, so tests are being done by changing the feed in various ways. Efforts are also being made to implement 10 instructions the experts gave to prevent such deaths.

Several of these have already been implemented, and the ministry's probe committee is doing its work. Even so, the lack of knowledge in managing this foreign animal has come to light.

The safari park's project director, Jahidul Kabir, told Jagonews24: "We tried as much as we could, but we could not keep them alive. No one had a hand in this, and there was no negligence on our part either. This park, founded in the name of the Father of the Nation, is our pride. We are managing it with our utmost effort. Even so, a disappointing incident has happened. Further action will be taken in light of the probe committee's report."

Meanwhile, over the zebra deaths, the park's officer in charge, Assistant Conservator of Forests Tabibur Rahman, and veterinary officer Dr Hatem Sajjad Md Zulkarnain have been withdrawn.

Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury confirmed this on Monday evening (31 January). He said 11 zebras and a tiger died at the park in January, and the probe committee formed by the ministry was working to find the cause. To ensure the probe is carried out properly, the two officials have been attached to the Forest Department headquarters.

Amir Hossain said Rafiqul Islam, assistant conservator of forests of the Faridpur forest division, had been made officer in charge in place of Tabibur Rahman, and Dr Mostafizur Rahman, veterinary officer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Chakaria, Cox's Bazar, had been given charge in place of Dr Hatem Sajjad Md Zulkarnain.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.