Measuring the Recreational and Economic Value of the Dhaka Zoological Garden

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CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
The necessity for establishment of a zoological garden in the erstwhile province of East Pakistan was felt at the very inception of Pakistan in the year 1947 as there was no such garden in this province. This had been receiving attention of the Government since 1947. In 1947 a dire necessity of establishing a state-owned zoological garden was felt. A Zoo started at High court premises of Dhaka with a limited number of species of animals. Government approved a master plan with a view to establish a zoological garden at Mirpur in 1960.
An advisory board was constituted for establishment and proper management of zoo the following year. After necessary construction and procurement of animals from home and abroad the zoo was opened on June 23, 1974. Till then it has been gradually grown into a beautiful and attractive zoological garden exhibiting animals in natural settings using modern method of keeping.
Main objectives of Dhaka Zoo are wildlife conservation through collection and breeding of rare and endangered species of wild animals, research & education and recreation. Zoo also involved in conservation of wild animals, education, research on wild animals and promotion of public awareness about these species.
About 3.9 million visitors visit Dhaka Zoo every year. It is a hub for healthy recreation of peoples of all ages. Peaceful environment of the zoo attracts people to gate relief from the hustle and bustle urban life.
It is the national zoo under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Area of this zoo is approx 75 hectares. It has two lakes of about 13 hectares, which receive thousands of migratory birds every year in winter season. The total number of fauna in the zoo is found nearly 2,150 of 191 sp...

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...ost of as long as access to, or consumer valuation of the resources.

1.2 Goal & Objectives of the Study

“The principle objective of the study was to measure the recreational and economic value of the Dhaka Zoological Garden” -This broad objective segmented into specific Objectives.

The specific objectives of the study was to investigate –
1) If there exists the usual functional relationship between travel cost and Zoo visitation rate;
2) To determine the factors that affect visitors ‘Willingness to pay (WTP)’ for recreational services of the Zoo;
3) To estimate the Consumer Surplus and recreational value (benefits) of the Dhaka Zoo;
4) Use these values to establish effective guideline and efficient policy for Dhaka Zoo and also determine an optimal entrance fee for visiting the Dhaka Zoo considering discount rate.

1World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

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