The day after Eid-ul-Fitr, Gazipur Safari Park experienced an overwhelming crowd of visitors, with the park authorities selling 16,200 entry tickets, generating a total revenue of Tk8.1 lakh, as each ticket was priced at Tk50.
Despite being a weekly holiday, the park remained open by the authorities' decision, allowing visitors to enter from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, as confirmed by the park’s officer, Harun-or-Rashid.
The officer said that by 4pm on Eid day, approximately 13,000 visitors had entered the park, generating Tk6.5 lakh in ticket sales.
Rashid said that an on-site visit to the main entrance of the safari park at noon revealed long queues of visitors waiting to buy tickets.
Outside the park’s entrance, vendors had set up stalls selling various goods, he added.
Visitors from different parts of the country had parked hundreds of personal and rented vehicles in the open field.
Additionally, various areas of the field featured temporary entertainment options such as horse riding, along with food stalls.
In a separate enclosure, visitors waited in line to enter the core safari park, which features various animals, including tigers, bears, lions, zebras, and giraffes, in an open environment.
Eight minibuses transported visitors inside the animal enclosures for a closer view.
Inside the Safari Kingdom, visitors could purchase separate tickets to see exotic birds such as macaws, parrots, and doves, with some taking selfies with the macaws to capture memorable moments.
As the visitors walked through the park, they explored crocodiles, elephants, hippos, vultures, ostriches, emus, various species of snakes, eagles, kites, and colorful fish.
A children's park within the safari park attracted young visitors, who also had to wait in line for tickets.
The park features a 9D theatre for children, offering virtual reality experiences that showcase documentaries about wildlife and nature.
Abu Sayeed and Kona, a couple of garment workers from Safipur, Kaliakair, visited the park and were surprised by the large crowd, even after Eid day.
They had to wait in line for approximately an hour to purchase entry tickets and an additional 30 minutes to enter the core safari area.
Rafiqul Islam, a government employee from Bhaluka, Mymensingh, visited the park with his wife and children.
He shared that, having long wished to visit the safari park, his family was finally able to fulfill their wish during the extended Eid holidays, enjoying the opportunity to explore the animals in their natural setting, walk around, and admire the diverse wildlife.
One visitor mentioned that his girlfriend had insisted on visiting the safari park during the Eid holidays.
They entered the park around 10:30am but, due to the large crowd, failed to get tickets for the core safari even after standing in line until the afternoon.
Instead, they explored other animals and natural attractions within the park.
A group of five friends—Beauty Akter, Salma Akter, Mousumi Akter, Sajeda Khatun, and Munni Akter—from Bormi, Sreepur, also visited the park.
Although the park is located in their sub-district, they had never visited together before, they said.
They expressed joy at finally visiting as a group and said that the overwhelming crowd added to their excitement.
They appreciated the well-organized entry system, which ensured smooth entry for all visitors.
The park’s acting officer, Rafiqul Islam, said that the park remains open from 9am to 5pm, and the number of visitors is expected to increase during the Eid holidays.
Notably, Gazipur Safari Park is located in Indrapur village, Mauna union, Sreepur upazila, Gazipur.
The entry fee is Tk50; however, children up to 12 years old are charged Tk20, and students can enter for Tk10 upon presenting their ID cards, the officer added.
