After Chattogram Zoo's five of the six zebras imported from South Africa died, authorities are now planning to acquire six new zebras in exchange for three tigers from a government-run Zoo or safari park elsewhere in Bangladesh.
An application seeking approval has been submitted to the relevant government department through the Chattogram deputy commissioner.
Preliminary discussions are also underway with several government Zoos and safari parks across the country.
Speaking to The Business Standard today (1 August), Chattogram Zoo Deputy Curator Shahadat Hossain Shuvo said, "Our Zoo currently has more tigers than required. We have therefore proposed exchanging three tigers for six zebras. The institution from which the zebras will be sourced has not yet been finalised."
"Discussions are ongoing at the government level," he added.
Shuvo also said, "The Zoo's only remaining zebra has been without a companion for a long time, and bringing in new zebras would help provide the animal with a more social environment."
When asked about the deaths of the five zebras, Shuvo said one of the Zoo's biggest challenges in the past had been a lack of space.
"Previously, the Zoo covered only around five acres of land. We did not have the amount of space required for zebras. Because of the limited enclosure, several animals were injured and developed various health problems," he said.
According to the deputy curator, the Zoo has now been expanded to around 10 acres. A dedicated enclosure for zebras is now being prepared in the newly developed section, and officials believe it will provide a far more suitable environment for the animals.
Records show that six zebras were imported from South Africa in 2018 at a cost of approximately Tk48 lakh from the Zoo's own funds.
According to the Zoo authority, over the following years, five of the zebras died due to injuries sustained in fights, complications during childbirth, and other health-related causes.
The authority also said that it currently has 17 tigers.
Previously, the zoo acquired new animals through exchanges. In 2023, it brought in a pair of hippopotamuses from Dhaka National Zoo in exchange for two tigers.
Shuvo said the zoo's only remaining kangaroo is also in poor condition after being infected with toxoplasmosis, the same disease that killed five kangaroos previously. However, the zoo has no plans to bring in new kangaroos for now.
The curator added that improving habitats and ensuring better care for the existing animals remain the authority's priority.
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