A joint operation by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit and the Social Forestry Division of Dinajpur rescued 74 wild animals from Shopnopuri Park and Mini Zoo in Nawabganj upazila of Dinajpur on Sunday. 

The rescued animals include Hoolock Gibbons, Asiatic Black Bears, Capped Langurs, Greater Hornbills, Slow Lorises, otters and different species of snakes and turtles. Some were found injured.

Wildlife Inspectors Abdullah As Sadiq and Asim Mallik led the operation under the overall supervision of Sanaullah Patwary, Director of the Wildlife Crime Control Unit.

Officials from the Social Forestry Division of Dinajpur, including Assistant Conservator of Forests Nurunnahar, and law enforcement officers from Nawabganj Police Station assisted in the drive.

Authorities said the animals had been illegally confined and displayed at the park for a long time. The park manager was interrogated but failed to provide valid permits. Legal action will be taken following the investigation.

The Forest Department pledged to continue such operations to combat wildlife crime and urged locals to be more aware of wildlife conservation.