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Plans to introduce boat rides for visitors at the National Zoo in Mirpur, Dhaka, have raised questions over their impact on the zoo’s animals and aquatic environment.
The zoo authorities have already built a jetty, access road and passenger shelter at the 32-acre southern lake and purchased two boats. However, several months after completing the construction and receiving the boats, the service has yet to begin.
Zoo authorities said the boats’ engines produce excessive noise, which could disturb the animals. They are now looking for quieter engines and options that would not pollute the lake with fuel.
National Zoo authority said the two boats, purchased for the planned service, have engines that are too noisy for the zoo environment.
We are looking for engines that produce little or no noise. We are also checking whether they can operate without polluting the water. If suitable engines cannot be found, the zoo may consider installing lower-noise engines, he said.
According to zoo authorities, the jetty, approach road and passenger shelter cost around Tk18 lakh, while the two boats were purchased for Tk17 lakh. The construction was completed and the boats were received by June.
The zoo’s southern lake covers 32 acres, while the northern lake covers 24 acres. The northern lake will not be used for boating because it houses two large pelicans. Each of the two boats can carry up to 20 passengers, and the fare may be set at Tk100 per person.
However, zoologists have questioned the rationale behind introducing boating facilities at the zoo.
Experts say ,the initiative could disrupt the lake’s aquatic ecosystem and disturb animals in nearby enclosures. the lake could instead have been developed as a protected aquatic habitat for waterbirds and other wildlife. Boat rides would increase noise and visitor movement, potentially making the environment unsuitable for animals and migratory birds.
Zoologists also noted that migratory birds used to visit the zoo’s lakes, which provide a relatively safe environment. He expressed concern that increased human activity and noise from boat rides could reduce the likelihood of such birds returning.