Court orders closure of Bandarban ‘mini zoo’

An illegal "mini zoo" at Meghla, a popular tourist destination in Bandarban, has been permanently shut down following a landmark court verdict.

Senior Judicial Magistrate of Bandarban District ASM Emran delivered the verdict today, marking a significant move in wildlife conservation enforcement.

Following the ruling, all wild animals held at the zoo were ordered to be relocated to Dulahazara Safari Park in Chattogram. In the first phase of the transfer, two bears were moved under intensive monitoring.

The unlicensed zoo had long drawn criticism for keeping various rare and endangered animals — including elephants, bears, porcupines, deer, jungle fowl, monkeys, and snakes — in small, unsanitary cages. Social media outrage intensified after a video surfaced showing a bear with a severe, untreated infection.

Nur Jahan Begum, an officer for Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation, said, "After on-site investigation, we found that the zoo had no legal authorisation. The animals were kept in dark, narrow cages. It was entirely illegal."

She added that such operations violate the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012 (Amended 2017), under which they are considered criminal offenses.

Hatem Sajjad Md Julkar Nine, veterinary officer at Dulahazara Safari Park, said, "One of the bear's legs is severely swollen due to a fungal infection. It's a highly sensitive case, and without timely treatment, the animal could die."

He added that all animals are now under close observation and receiving medical care, with efforts underway to help them gradually adapt to a more natural environment. In the next phase, 13 barking deer will be transferred.

ANM Moazzem Riyad, chairman of Save the Nature of Bangladesh, said, "The closure of this zoo and the animals' release is the result of our long-standing campaign. We have long spoken out against this injustice."

He also pointed to similar allegations of illegal wildlife captivity at Girichaya, Rangamati Botanical Garden, and Gazni Recreation Centre, pledging further action.

Calling the verdict a milestone, Riyad said, "This is not just about the Meghla zoo in Bandarban, but a landmark decision for animal rights across the country. This is a groundbreaking step in wildlife conservation, which will help prevent such illegal activities in the future."

Ripon Tonchongya, a resident of Tonchongya Para in Meghla, said, "Five to six years ago, there were many species of snakes, monkeys, pythons, and pangolins here. The cages were so small that we saw the animals suffer in the heat. They weren't even fed properly."