The Rajshahi Botanical Garden is likely to be transformed into the ‘Rajshahi Bird Park’

The Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) has taken an initiative to rename the Rajshahi Botanical Garden as “Rajshahi Bird Park” as part of a broader plan to modernize and reorganize the recreational facility.

The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Livestock and other relevant authorities.

The park, previously known as Rajshahi Central Park and Zoo, was renamed Rajshahi Botanical Garden in 2023. RCC officials said the latest initiative aims to transform the site into a bird-focused sanctuary with improved environmental and recreational features.

At present, the park houses only a limited number of animals, including two gharials, spotted deer and around 100 pigeons. Officials said maintaining a conventional zoo has become increasingly difficult due to space constraints and rising maintenance costs.

According to RCC sources, the park covers nearly 33 acres. However, construction of several facilities over the years — including the Bangabandhu Novotheatre and a resort — has reduced the space available for wildlife conservation activities.

Officials said the proposed bird park would feature bird sanctuaries, nesting facilities and a variety of colorful bird species to attract visitors and create a more eco-friendly environment.

RCC Veterinary Surgeon Dr Farhad Uddin said a letter has already been sent to the Ministry of Livestock seeking approval and project allocation for the proposed transformation.

“If the ministry approves the proposal, renovation work will begin in phases. We plan to establish bird sanctuaries, create nesting facilities and introduce 10 to 15 species of birds,” he said.

Dr Farhad said the park currently has 129 deer, exceeding its carrying capacity. According to Forest Department guidelines, each deer requires at least 500 square feet of space, while the existing enclosure can accommodate around 80 deer.

He said RCC plans to relocate or sell some of the excess deer through official procedures with approval from the Forest Department.

“The deer will only be provided for rearing and conservation purposes. They cannot be slaughtered under any circumstances,” he added.

According to RCC officials, the Jalalabad Para Commando Unit in Sylhet has requested five deer for a proposed animal sanctuary. Of them, two deer would be purchased at the government-fixed price of Tk 50,000 each, while three have been sought as donations.

The park is also home to two gharials — a male named Gorai and a female named Padma. Earlier this year, the female gharial laid eggs, but they could not be preserved after falling unnoticed into the pond.

Dr Farhad said authorities are now taking additional precautions to ensure proper monitoring and conservation support in the future.

Established in 1972, the park was gradually developed with lakes, artificial hills, flower gardens and various species of animals and birds collected from home and abroad. Over the decades, it became one of Rajshahi’s most popular recreational spots.

At different times, the zoo housed tigers, lions, bears, camels and hyenas. However, many animals gradually disappeared over the years due to natural deaths and management challenges.

RCC officials expressed hope that transforming the facility into a bird park would help create a more sustainable, attractive and conservation-oriented recreational destination for visitors in Rajshahi.