Bandarban court orders closure of 'mini zoo', wildlife to be transferred to Dulahazra Safari Park

An illegal "mini zoo" located in Meghla, a popular tourist destination in Bandarban, has finally been permanently closed.

Judge ASM Emran of the Bandarban District Senior Judicial Magistrate's Court delivered the verdict today (16 April).

Following this, all the wildlife in the zoo was ordered to be transferred to Dulhazra Safari in Chattogram, including two bears. 

For a long time, 16 deer, six monkeys, one forest cat and two  bears were being kept in cages in the zoo without government approval. 

Two bears in a cage at the mini zoo at the Bandarban Meghla Tourism Center. Photo: Courtesy

According to court sources, on 9 April, a pitiful picture of a sick bear at the mini zoo at the Bandarban Meghla Tourism Center went viral on social media. 

In the video, the bear is seen with deep wounds on the back of its body.  

The animals are being put into a cage for their transportation to Dulahazra Safari Park. Photo: Courtesy

Along with that, it was seen limping. 

Animal lovers have been making numerous comments under the video about the negligence of the authorities. 

A sick bear kept into a cage for its transportation to Dulahazra Safari Park. Photo: Courtesy

Speaking to The Business Standard, Veterinary Officer Dr Hatem Sajjad Md Zulkarnain said, "One of the bear's legs is severely swollen due to a fungal infection. This is a sensitive condition and the animal may die if not treated on time."

He further said preparations are being made to keep the animals under close observation for treatment and gradually adapt them to their natural environment. 

Earlier today, the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court of Bandarban ordered authorities concerned to ensure medical treatment of a sick bear at a mini zoo at the Meghla Tourism Center in the district.

The cage housing two bears at the mini zoo in Bandarban’s Meghla Tourism Center. One of the bears is suffering from a fungal infection in its legs. Photo: Courtesy

Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Nur Jahan Begum said, "We investigated and found that this zoo does not have any legal authorisation. The animals were being kept in dark, narrow cages like Aynaghar. This is completely illegal."

She added that such activities are punishable under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 (amended 2017).

Ripon Tanchangya, a resident of Tanchangya Para in Meghla area, said, "Even 5-6 years ago, there were many species of snakes, monkeys, pythons, and many wild animals here. The cages were so small that I saw the animals suffering in the hot summer days. They also did not give them proper food."

Officials of Forest Department breaking the door of a cage at the mini zoo at the Bandarban Meghla Tourism Center. Photo: Courtesy

Setting an example

Chairman of non-profit "Save the Nature of Bangladesh" ANM Moazzem Riyad said, "The closure of this zoo and the release of animals are the result of our long-standing movement. We have been vocal against this injustice for a long time."

Officials are transporting a sick bear from the mini zoo at the Bandarban Meghla Tourism Center. Photo: Courtesy

He said, "There are allegations of wildlife captivity in some places. We will soon take the field in these cases as well."

The verdict will not only be an example for the Meghla Zoo in Bandarban, but will also set an example for protecting animal rights across the country, said Moazzem Riyad. 

"This is a groundbreaking step for wildlife conservation, which will help prevent such illegal activities in the future."