48 more wild animals rescued from Swapnopuri park in Dinazpur, mini zoo shut
Forty eight illegally confined animals have been rescued from Swapnopuri Artificial Amusement Park in Nawabganj upazila of Dinajpur.
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Forest Department conducted a raid as a second phase of an operation yesterday (11 February) to rescue the illegally confined wild animals. The 48 rescued animals included five bears, five Maya deer, 11 monkeys, 17 sambar deer, five great hornbills, two porcupines, and one otter.
Earlier, on 26 January, authorities conducted the first phase of the operation, seizing 74 wild animals and placing 52 under the park's custody. However, as the park authorities failed to produce valid documentation for these animals, the second phase raid was carried out, said Ashim Mallik, wildlife inspector of WCCU.
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He said, "According to the Wildlife [Conservation and Security] Act, 2012, collecting, displaying, and keeping wild animals without approval is a punishable offence. Following the directives of the Forest Department, the rescued animals will be transferred to wildlife sanctuaries, including Gazipur and Dulahazara Safari Parks, for proper rehabilitation."
The operation was supervised by Wildlife Crime Control Unit Director Sanaullah Patwari. Officials from the Dinajpur Social Forestry Division, Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Divisions of Chattogram and Rajshahi were also present.
The Forest Department has reaffirmed its strict stance against illegal mini zoos and urges the public to report any instances of illegal wildlife captivity to the nearest Forest Department office or the Wildlife Crime Control Unit immediately.
