Do you know that there are over 150 Zoological parks in India?
Yes, this is true.
But among them, The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is ranked first in all categories among Indian Zoos by the Central Zoo Authority of India.
But, the question arises here is
“WHY”?
We will provide you with the right information about this.
In this article, we will talk about this in detail and take you on the virtual journey of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, from the starting point to till date so that you can get a rich insight into this place.
So, are you ready to explore The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park with us?
Let’s dive into this.
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is located at Jawahar Parbat (also known as Birch Hill), approximately 2km north of Darjeeling with an area of 67.57 acres (10 acres open to visitors) and is dedicated to the memory of Smt Padmaja Naidu, ex-Governor of West Bengal.
This park is not an ordinary one, rather it is renowned for its conservation breeding programs for endangered Eastern Himalayan species, which started with the Snow Leopard in 1986 and the Red Panda in 1990. In addition, it also successfully released four female Red Pandas into Singalila National Park.
In terms of zoo sections, it is divided into three parts including lesser carnivores, herbivores, and carnivores. The lesser carnivores contain 7 species, the Herbivores contain 7 species, and Carnivores 5 species. Besides, it also houses 9 pheasant species (6 indigenous, 4 exotic), 1 amphibian species, and 3 reptile species.
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park delights its visitors with many notable animals, including mammals like Indian Tiger, Snow Leopard, Black Leopard, Common Leopard, Red Panda, Goral, Blue Sheep, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Palm Civet, Asiatic Black Bear, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Slow Loris, Markhor, and Siberian Tiger.
Talking about the birds, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park offers African Grey Parrot, Bare-eyed Cockatoo, Blue Gold Macaw, Cockatiel, Golden Pheasant, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Red Jungle Fowl, Reeve's Pheasant, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Silver Pheasant, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and Temminck's Tragopan.
You can also find here reptiles like the Indian Sand Boa, Russell’s Viper, and Indian Rock Python along with amphibians like the Himalayan Newt.
Among these animals, The Himalayan Red Panda is the most famous and a key species for the zoo’s conservation and educational programs in the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
Although this park has a wide range of species, it includes three breeding centers the Old Conservation Breeding Center, the Conservation Breeding Center at Topkeydara, and the Satellite Zoo at Downhill as well.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has some prestigious feathers on its crown. It got the membership of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) in 2009. Following awards like the "Royal Bank of Scotland Earth Hero Award" in 2014, and also ranked first in all categories among Indian zoos by the Central Zoo Authority of India in 2022.
If you love animals and feel a deep connection inside you, then there is no place other than this Zoological park.
So, book your favorite Darjeeling tour package with us and explore those endangered Himalayan species that are unknown to you.
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