The only zoo in Chittagong city is gradually running out of attractive animals and eventually the visitors as well.

There is no Bengal Tiger in the zoo since 2012. On the other hand, there are only two lionesses and no lion since 2007.

Besides these lionesses, there are some deer, Asian bear, monkeys, crocodile, turtles, python and some birds for the visitors. These animals cover only 67 species, including 45 bird species. On top of this, there are only nine cages to accommodate total 320 birds.

A bear inside the cage of Chittagong zoo. Photo: Minhaj Uddin

The zoo authorities had asked the environment and forest ministry for 10 species of animals including tiger, lion, bear and Para deer in February 2014, but no step has been taken yet, zoo officials claimed.

Meanwhile, the zoo authorities have also been trying to include some 10 to 15 acres of government land located behind the zoo.

The cage of snake inside the zoo. Photo: Minhaj Uddin

In such situation, the number of visitors to the zoo has declined to half since five years.

Visitors blame the poor collection and limitation of space for the current situation. The cages have been kept in a very congested manner, making it only few minutes for the visitors to walk around the zoo.