Zoo as ecotourism attraction: Case of Dhaka zoo

Abstract

This paper reports results from a survey of visitors to Dhaka Zoo, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The questionnaire comprised of items relating to motives for visiting the zoo, and evaluations of attributes, thereby permitting an important valuation approach. The construction of the questionnaire was prompted to learn more about what motivated visits, and whether there were perceived deficiencies in visitors’ experiences of the zoo. Like other studies mentioned in the report it was concluded that zoos represent an opportunity for family-based trips. However, while some opportunities exist for learning, on the whole visitors were not generally interested in acquiring detailed information about wildlife. Indeed, more importance was attached to the viewing of animals than to the recognition that possibly animals might require ‘private places’. These findings may instigate a discussion about the extent to which Dhaka zoo might be able to fulfil its classical missions and that for this to happen significant changes in zoo layout would be required. Additionally, possible implications for zoo management are discussed.