The Rise of Safari Parks in Bangladesh
The growing network of safari parks in Bangladesh showcases the nation’s deep commitment to wildlife conservation, environmental education, and eco-tourism. These parks are not only tourist destinations but also living classrooms that promote biodiversity awareness.
From the dense forests of Gazipur to the coastal plains of Cox’s Bazar, safari parks have become vital spaces for environmental preservation and public recreation. The development of these parks reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to balance tourism and nature, a mission in line with the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
According to the Forest Department of Bangladesh, over 1.2 million visitors visited the country’s safari parks in 2024, generating significant revenue and awareness. Learn more about these initiatives on the Bangladesh Forest Department’s website or through UNDP Bangladesh’s conservation programs.
Gazipur Safari Park: The Largest Wildlife Sanctuary for Public
Located just 40 kilometers north of Dhaka, Gazipur Safari Park—officially known as the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park—is the largest wildlife park in Bangladesh. Covering an area of 3,690 acres, the park has become a symbol of modern conservation.
Established in 2013, this park was designed following models from South Africa and Thailand. It allows visitors to explore open habitats where animals roam freely within secured zones. Tourists can safely observe lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and spotted deer from protected vehicles, experiencing the wilderness without leaving the country.
The park is divided into five key zones:
- Core Safari Area – Home to carnivores like lions and tigers.
- Herbivore Safari Zone – For animals like deer, antelopes, and giraffes.
- Biodiversity Park – Preserves native trees and plants.
- Safari Kingdom – Combines entertainment with wildlife education.
- Natural History Museum – Educates visitors about animal biology and conservation.
According to the Tourism Board of Bangladesh, Gazipur Safari Park welcomes over 600,000 visitors annually, contributing to eco-tourism and local employment. For more information, you can visit the Bangladesh Tourism Board.
Dulahazara Safari Park: The Pioneer of Safari Experience
Located in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar, Dulahazara Safari Park holds the distinction of being the first safari park in Bangladesh. Established in 1999, it spans about 900 hectares of lush forested land.
Originally created as a rescue and breeding center for distressed animals, the park now houses hundreds of species, including Asian elephants, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Visitors can explore dedicated enclosures through guided tours, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy the park’s scenic picnic areas. Dulahazara’s design emphasizes a natural environment where animals can live comfortably and breed safely, helping maintain species diversity in the region.
The park has become especially important for elephant protection. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Bangladesh’s wild elephant population is now fewer than 200 individuals, making Dulahazara’s elephant program vital to preventing extinction. More on this can be read at IUCN Bangladesh’s wildlife reports.
Chattogram and Other Regional Safari Parks
Beyond Gazipur and Cox’s Bazar, several smaller safari parks and wildlife facilities are emerging across Bangladesh.
The Bara Rathura Safari Park near Chattogram offers a compact yet enriching experience for local visitors. While smaller in size, it plays an important role in regional awareness and education about native species.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur, Dhaka, though not a safari park, complements the system by focusing on education and animal care. It currently houses over 2,000 animals from 160 species, serving nearly 2 million visitors annually according to the Dhaka North City Corporation.
Together, these sites form an expanding network of wildlife and educational spaces across the country.
Educational Value and Ecotourism Impact
The safari parks in Bangladesh serve more than just entertainment purposes. They act as hubs for environmental education, research, and public awareness.
Every year, thousands of students visit these parks on study tours organized by schools and universities. The interactive exhibits and live demonstrations help young people understand concepts like ecosystem balance, species diversity, and climate adaptation.
Moreover, eco-tourism through these parks supports local economies. For instance, Gazipur Safari Park employs over 300 local residents, while Dulahazara provides direct livelihood opportunities for nearby communities through guiding, hospitality, and transport services.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that Bangladesh’s travel and tourism sector contributed 3.4% to GDP in 2024, a figure expected to rise as nature-based tourism expands.
Learn more about tourism’s economic impact from the WTTC country reports.
Conservation and Animal Welfare Efforts
One of the most important aspects of Bangladesh’s safari parks is their role in conservation and animal welfare. These parks act as sanctuaries for rescued or displaced animals.
For example, several Bengal tigers and elephants at Dulahazara were rescued from illegal trade or unsafe environments. The parks also run breeding programs for endangered species, contributing to the global effort to prevent extinction.
The Department of Forests regularly monitors animal health and habitat quality. Veterinary teams ensure animals receive proper care, nutrition, and medical attention. This ongoing effort has led to a noticeable increase in the survival rate of captive wildlife over the past decade.
Bangladesh’s involvement in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ensures that these initiatives align with international standards.
Challenges Facing Safari Parks in Bangladesh
Despite the progress, safari parks face several challenges. Maintaining a large animal population in limited space requires resources, trained staff, and constant management.
Additionally, climate change poses new threats. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall affect vegetation and water sources within the parks. Deforestation in surrounding areas also disturbs natural ecosystems.
Financial sustainability is another issue. Although visitor numbers are growing, operational costs often exceed revenue, forcing reliance on government subsidies. Strengthening private investment and international partnerships could improve long-term stability.
The government’s recent emphasis on Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 includes goals to modernize park management through digital monitoring and eco-friendly infrastructure.
Future of Wildlife Tourism in Bangladesh
The future of safari parks in Bangladesh looks promising. With the rise of eco-tourism, the government plans to establish new safari zones in regions like Rajshahi and Sylhet.
By integrating digital tools such as GPS animal tracking, online ticketing, and augmented reality exhibits, Bangladesh aims to make its safari experience both sustainable and educational.
Public-private partnerships could further expand research programs and conservation funding. Moreover, collaboration with international organizations like the WWF and UNESCO will help build a globally recognized model for biodiversity protection.
If developed strategically, safari tourism could contribute over 5% to Bangladesh’s GDP by 2030, according to projections from the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) study.
A Nation’s Commitment to Nature
The safari parks in Bangladesh are more than tourist destinations. They represent a nation’s evolving relationship with nature balancing conservation, education, and economic development.
Each park, from Gazipur’s expansive plains to Dulahazara’s serene forests, tells a story of resilience and coexistence. These green sanctuaries remind visitors that wildlife preservation is not just about saving animals but about protecting the planet for future generations.
By visiting, learning, and supporting these parks, citizens and travelers can play a direct role in shaping a more sustainable Bangladesh.