Durgasagar mini zoo welcomes baby deer

Two baby deer were born at the mini zoo project in Durgasagar, a major centre of tourism at Barishal district.

In addition, a peahen (female peafowl) laid six eggs that are waiting to be hatched. The district administration is attempting to increase the area of the cage for the birds.

On December 12, 2020, the then Deputy Commissioner SM Ajiar Rahman inaugurated a project that includes a mini zoo, children's park, walkway and resthouse lighting. The Tk 16.18-crore project is being implemented under an agreement with the tourism corporation, said Md Ali Shuja, assistant commissioner and in-charge of the tourism centre.

He said that one deer calf was born three months ago and another deer calf was born a month ago.

"We are seeing if these cages can be extended to solve issues of space," he added.

"The place has remained closed due to ongoing lockdown. Around 300-800 people used to visit every day. But in the lockdown, nature has flourished at Durgasagar. With the last fawns being born, there are now nine deer. The peahen has laid six eggs in the last 10-12 days," said Tapan Lashkar, caretaker of the tourist centre.

"Currently, the peafowls' cage is 20 feet by 15 feet and the ones for deer are 50 feet by 40 feet," he said, "We are looking into expanding these spaces."

The 45.55 acre tourist spot is home to a variety of birds, such as emu, parrot, love birds and pigeons. There are fish aquariums. A pedal boating facility is being set up in addition to resthouse and picnic sheds.

According to the district administration, Chandra dynasty King Shiva Narayan Roy dug the large lake in 1780 AD. The Durgasagar dighi helped fill the demand for water. Around the lake, fairs and events are held every year on the occasion of Chaitra Shangkranti.

The historic lake has been a part of Barishal's history for 241 years. It is a source of water, tourism spot and centre of religious activities.

"In 1974, the then Minister Abdur Rob Serniabat had re-excavated the spot and created an island in the middle. In 1997, a bird sanctuary was declared there under initiative of the Ministry of Land," said SM Iqbal, a cultural personality and historian in Barishal.