"We will be putting forward a proposal to the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry to reduce the price of a deer from Tk 24,000 to 15,000 as Rajshahi zoo is selling deer at a lower price. We are now burdened with the increasing population of deer. Last year we could not sell a single," said a zoo source, requesting anonymity.

Dhaka Zoo deer is priced at Tk 24,000 while Rajshahi is selling below Tk 10,000.

"Due to the marked price difference between the two zoos, we do not have sales. We are struggling to feed almost 50 surplus deer in hand," the source said.

"Mirpur Zoo now has 155 deer, but 20 would be adequate for visitors. If we can sell them we will able to save a lot of money spent on food," the source said.

It is learnt that the zoo authorities will put forward their proposal at the meeting, which is likely to be held on January 11 with the ministry.

"Besides the annual budget of Tk 1.15 crore for food, we have to spend additional Tk 30 lakh feeding the surplus animals. Due to this, we have to carry over the deficit to the next year's budget," the source said.

The zoo authorities are also struggling with the excess number of other species. Eleven lions, five tigers, two bears, six hippopotamuses and many varieties of birds contribute the excess numbers.

The monkey population is also increasing. "We have no monkey sales, and are facing a problem with the animals," the source lamented.

Mirpur Zoo has been trying to donate some of its surplus inmates to some private and government parks but red tape has dashed its effort in the last five months.

"In fact, the entire matter has been with the ministry for the approval. Now the ministry will decide whether they will donate to them or not. After approval, we will able to donate the animals," continued the source.

In August the zoo authorities decided to send a pair of lions to the Cox's Bazar Safari, a pair of tigers to Khulna Baganbilash and one tiger to the Chittagong District Council.

It is also learnt that the January 11 meeting might decide upon Tk 28 crore-project proposal for infrastructure development of Mirpur Zoo -- submitted a year ago.