With the National Zoo closed for long periods because of the coronavirus, deer, egrets, peacocks and other animals bred more. As there was not enough room for them, the authorities began selling deer and peacocks from January last year.

In the 13 months to January 2022, the zoo sold deer worth Tk 1 crore 10 lakh and peacocks worth Tk 24 lakh. Several species of egret have been released into the wild.

The deer were first priced at Tk 1 lakh 40 thousand, later cut to Tk 1 lakh. In all, more than 150 deer and 70 peacocks were sold to farm and resort owners.

This time, however, the zoo is considering exchanging deer and peacocks with other zoos at home and abroad rather than selling them, said the National Zoo's director, Dr Md Abdul Latif.

"A zoo is not a breeding centre, and selling is not our aim. The number of deer had become excessive. Considering space, management and the food budget, the surplus was sold with the ministry's permission," he said.

"We are getting a lot of applications to buy deer and peacocks. But we have stopped selling peacocks. Depending on stock we may think about selling again in future. The peacocks we have now are needed at the zoo. If breeding increases, we may sell then. We are selling deer and getting a big response," Abdul Latif said.

He said buyers can get treatment and care services for the animals from local officers after the sale. "When we sell deer to a farm or resort owner, the relevant thana officer and district officer are informed at once. Buyers are also told to keep in touch with the upazila or district officer so they can supervise properly, and get the right treatment and advice if the animals fall ill. They can get a vet's advice from the upazila."

The National Zoo in Mirpur was closed for five months in 2021 and eight months in 2020. A favourable environment, care and good management led to record breeding of various animals, and the authorities are thinking of exchanging surplus animals with other zoos.

Director Abdul Latif said the enclosures of at least five to seven species were full, holding more than their capacity. "We are trying to exchange these."

According to him, the National Zoo has a total of 3,150 animals of 135 species, many of them above capacity.

The zoo has 14 hippopotamuses against a capacity of seven, and more than 50 emus against a capacity of 20 to 22. Zebras, giraffes and impala are likewise above capacity. The authorities are considering moving or exchanging surplus animals with other zoos and safari parks at home or abroad.

"With government approval, wildlife will be exchanged after discussions with various zoos in the country. If possible, we are also thinking of discussing exchanges with neighbouring countries," the director said.

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