Dulhazra Safari Park

Dulahazra Safari Park was developed on an undulating landscape of around 2,224 acres (9.00 km²) of area at Chakaria Upazila in Cox's Bazar District, Bangladesh, some 107 km away from the port city, with an objective to create facilities for eco-tourism, research work and entertainment aside from conserving wild animals in a natural environment.

Dulahazra Park is home to at least 4,000 animals of 165 species. After the new government took over in January 2007, joint forces rescued many of these new residents of the park during their drives at houses and establishments owned by graft suspects.^[1] Many individuals also ‘donated’ some of the animals to the park during this period. The seized and donated animals recently sent to the park include 90 spotted deer (chital), 42 barking deer (maya, a species of muntjac deer), three sambar deer, one freshwater crocodile, one saltwater crocodile, nine black bear, four pythons, 17 peacocks, 19 Turkish pheasants and two emus. ^[2]

Other source of animale includes the Dhaka Zoo. While the animal population in Dhaka zoo has increased over the years due to their breeding, the Dhaka zoo donates a number of lions and tigers to the Dulhazra Safari Park.^[1]

Visitor Attractions:

The park itself protects a large number of wild elephants which are native to the area. In the safari park there are domesticated elephants which are available for a ride. Other animal attractions include lions, Bengal tigers, Crocodiles, Bears, Chitals and lots of different types of birds and monkeys.

Since the park was made open to the public, it has been drawing a huge crowd all year round — 6,000 visitors daily during peak season (November to March) and 2,000 visitors daily during off season (April to October).

References

1. ^ ^{a b} http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/06/05/d506052503109.htm
2. ^ http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2007/05/20/starving-at-safari-park/