Chittagong Zoo

Chittagong Zoo is a zoological garden located in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Situated approximately three kilometers northwest of the city center, it lies adjacent to the entrance of Foy's Lake and opposite the foothills of the mountains near USTC Medical College. The zoo was established with the initial purpose of providing recreation and has since grown to house a variety of animal species.

History and Development

The initiative to establish a private zoo at Foy's Lake began in 1988, spearheaded by MA Mannan, the former deputy commissioner of Chittagong District, along with other prominent citizens. The zoo was officially opened to visitors on February 28, 1989. Its land area has expanded over time; initially allocated 4.90 acres by the Bangladesh Government, it now encompasses 10.2 acres. The zoo is situated on hilly terrain characteristic of the Foy's Lake area in Khulshi, Chittagong.

Attractions and Wildlife

Chittagong Zoo is particularly renowned for its white tiger population. In 2018, the zoo celebrated the birth of the first white tiger in Bangladesh. By 2022, the zoo housed a total of eighteen tigers, including five white tigers, four of which were born in that year. As of 2018, the zoo's collection comprised 300 animals across 54 species, including 25 mammals, 25 birds, and 4 reptiles. The mammal collection features species such as Bengal tigers, Indian lions, Asian black bears, various deer species, primates like the Hoolock gibbon and Capped langur, and domestic animals like Rottweilers and German Shepherds. Reptiles present include Indian rock pythons and marsh crocodiles, while bird species range from ostriches and peacocks to hornbills and vultures.