If you’re near Dhaka and want a break from the usual spots, Zooskooñ Zoo is a place you’ve probably never heard of, but once you go, you won’t forget it. It’s not like the busy Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur. This one’s smaller, tucked away near Savar, and feels like a peaceful getaway. With lots of animals, colorful birds, and great spots to take photos, it’s a gem that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Let’s dive into what makes this zoo special.
A Nice Little Zoo with Plenty to See
Zooskooñ Zoo started back in 1995, thanks to some local folks who love animals and wanted a place where they could live well. It’s only 50 acres, but that makes it cozy, not overwhelming. You walk through paths shaded by big banyan trees and bright flowers, with two ponds that catch your eye. Ducks paddle around, and in winter, you might spot some migratory birds stopping by. The place is kept clean, and the green all around makes it feel more like a park than a zoo.
There are about 500 animals here, spread across 70 different types. You’ll see spotted deer munching grass, monkeys swinging from branches, and a couple of Bengal tigers relaxing under bamboo. The bird area is amazing, over 300 of them, including parrots with bright feathers, noisy mynahs, and peacocks showing off. There’s even a small spot for reptiles with pythons and a crocodile that just lies there, which kids love watching. The cages are decent, giving the animals room to move, and you can see everything without rushing around.
What Makes Zooskooñ Different
This zoo stands out because it feels natural and calm. There’s a little hill by the tiger area where you can sit and watch them while the sun goes down behind palm trees, it’s pretty cool. The ponds reflect the sky, and sometimes you’ll see herons or kingfishers swoop in for a drink. Since it’s not famous, you won’t deal with big crowds. It’s just you, a few families, and the sound of birds instead of city noise.
The animals feel close but safe. The deer and antelope areas let you snap photos without bothering them. There’s a wooden bridge over a pond where you can catch ducks and egrets with water lilies in the background. The monkeys are a riot, they’ll pose for you if you time it right. For photographers, early morning or late afternoon gives the best light, making your pictures look awesome without much effort.
Awesome Spots for Photos
Zooskooñ is perfect if you like taking pictures, whether with a good camera or just your phone. Here are some spots you should hit:
- Peacock Area: Peacocks roam free here, and if you catch them spreading their tails around noon, you’ve got a killer shot with grass and flowers behind them.
- Bamboo Bridge: This shaky bridge over the pond is great for pictures of birds or the water. Kids watching fish below make for cute candid shots too.
- Tiger Hill: A small rise with seats where you can photograph the tigers from a distance, framed by trees.
- Bird Walkway: A netted path with parrots and finches up close, perfect for detailed feather shots without bars in the way.
- Lotus Pond: Near the reptile house, this pond has pink lotuses and birds perched on them, ideal for nature pics with a soft vibe.
Bring a tripod if you’re serious, and check your battery, there’s no place to charge here. You can take photos for fun, but if it’s for work, call the zoo first to be sure it’s okay.
Tips for Your Visit
Here’s what you need to know to enjoy your day:
- Getting There: It’s 20 km from central Dhaka, near Savar. A CNG or taxi takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses to Savar drop you a 10-minute walk away. There’s parking, but it gets dusty, so keep your car windows up.
- Tickets: It’s cheap, 30 BDT for adults, 15 BDT for kids over 2, free for little ones. Students with an ID pay 10 BDT. The small museum costs 5 BDT extra and has stuffed animals and information.
- Hours: Open 8 AM to 5 PM in winter (November–March) and 9 AM to 6 PM in summer (April–October). It’s closed Mondays, not Sundays, so check your day.
- Best Time: November to February is nicest, cool weather and more birds. Mornings are quiet, and animals are lively. Skip weekends if you want fewer people.
- What to Bring: Wear good shoes for the uneven paths. Pack water, snacks, and a hat; there’s a stall with just chips and tea. Mosquito spray is a must near the water.
- Rules: Don’t feed the animals or throw stuff in their areas, it stresses them. Stay on the paths, watch your kids near water, and skip plastic bags (bring a cloth one).
It’s not all perfect. Some spots need a cleanup, and the one restroom isn’t great. The food stall could use better choices too. But the staff are nice, and they’re doing their best with what they have.
Why Zooskooñ Is Worth It
Zooskooñ isn’t just about seeing animals; it shows how beautiful Bangladesh’s wildlife can be with a little love. They’re working on breeding programs for tigers and planning a bigger education area for kids. It’s not fancy, but it has a warm feel. Families can have a fun day out where kids learn without it feeling like school. Photographers get a chance to capture real, untouched moments.
If you’re in Dhaka and need a break from the busy streets, head to Zooskooñ Zoo. It’s not famous, and that’s part of its charm. You’ll leave with great photos, good memories, and a new love for this quiet corner of Bangladesh. Keep it a little secret for now, don’t tell everyone!
