Learning about aquatic life in a fun environment
Troyee pretended to catch a fish. As soon as the six-year-old put her hand against the wall of an aquarium it swam away.
Excited, the little one wanted to know about the aquatic creature. When she approached her mother Pushpita Chowdhury, the latter took her to an attendant next to the aquarium. The man directed the mother-daughter duo to an introduction on display.
It was a goldfish. Until then, Troyee had only heard of it from her schoolmates.
She learnt that goldfish is a freshwater fish. It is one of the most commonly kept aquarium fish. A relatively small member of the carp family, the goldfish is native to east Asia.
Troyee and her mother were visiting the recently opened ‘Aquarium Park’ near Jamal Khan Road in the port city.
Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) launched the park on October 15. The venue has three aquariums -- two 16ft in length and 6ft in width, another 4ft/6ft, according to CCC sources.
Three people were entrusted with looking after the aquariums.
Meanwhile, Troyee ran to another aquarium which also got her excited. “My daughter is thrilled at the sight of these colourful fish,” said Pushpita.
Five-year-old Raisa visited the park with her father Amir Hossain. She got a chance to interact with children of her age.
All of them were running around, going over the display and learning about aquatic life in a fun environment -- together.
Amir Hossain said, “I’m happy to see my daughter having a good time here.” There is little scope for recreation for city dwellers, especially children, he said.
This is a good initiative, the father said, expressing gratitude to the authorities.
The park has been attracting port city dwellers since it opened its doors. One of the caretakers said on average, 500 people are visiting the venue every day.
Around 300 fishes of 50 species are kept in the aquariums. The fishes include goldfish, angelfish, flowerhorn fish and Asian arowana, said the caretakers.
Shaibal Das Suman, councillor of ward-21 (Jamal Khan), said visitors can learn more about aquarium fishes in an enjoyable ambiance.
“Students from 14 schools in Jamal Khan area are visiting the aquarium park,” he said. People from outside the city have started coming here too, he added.
The park has been set up at a cost of Tk 25 lakh. People have free access to it from 10am-10pm every day, CCC sources said.
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