Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling Overview

The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is a splendid enclosure in Darjeeling housing a wide variety of animals. Also known as Darjeeling Zoo, this is a haven for animals of all kinds and a huge centre of attraction for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.

The zoo is known internationally for its breeding and conservation programs and also includes an off-display breeding centre for snow leopards and red pandas. In addition to these rarer species, the zoo is also enriched with Asiatic black bear, barking deer, leopards, blue and yellow Macaw, Eastern Pangolin, Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Wolf, Lady Amherst, Leopard Cat, Macaw, Red Jungle Fowl, Red Panda, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar Deer, Temminck's Tragopan, Yak, and many more.

This attraction was set up in 1958 and was named after the former governor of West Bengal, Padmaja Naidu, who was also the daughter of Sarojini Naidu. Witha n average elevation of a whopping 7000 feet, it is the largest high altitude zoo in India. The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions and has successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda.

The zoo serves as the central hub for Central Zoo Authority of India's red panda program and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Owing to its unyielding efforts to repopulate these endangered species, the Darjeeling Zoo has been awarded the prestigious honour of "The Earth Heroes" in 2014 out of over 300 zoos worldwide.

1. Red Panda Conservation

Known for its dedicated efforts towards the conservation of the endangered red panda, the zoo provides a natural habitat for these adorable creatures. Visitors can witness the red pandas in a setting (Read More)that mimics their native environment.

2. Snow Leopard Breeding Program

The park actively participates in the conservation and breeding of snow leopards, contributing to the efforts to save this elusive and endangered species. Snow leopards, known for their majestic prese (Read More)nce, can be observed here.

3. Himalayan Fauna Exhibits

The zoo is home to a diverse range of Himalayan fauna, including the elusive Himalayan wolf, Himalayan tahr, Tibetan wolf, and several species of pheasants. The exhibits aim to showcase and conserve t (Read More)he rich biodiversity of the Himalayan region.

4. Himalayan Bird Aviary

Bird enthusiasts can explore the aviary that houses a variety of Himalayan bird species. From colorful pheasants to other endemic birds, the aviary provides an opportunity for bird watching in a natur (Read More)al setting.

5. Education and Research Center

The park serves as an educational and research hub for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. It promotes awareness about the Himalayan ecosystem and the importance of wildlife conservation through int (Read More)eractive programs and exhibits.

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling

Located in Darjeeling, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is recognized as one of the best mountaineering institutes in the world. Established on 4th November 1954, the primary purpose of this initiat (Read More)ive was to encourage, enhance and support the interest of the people in the sport of mountaineering, and to channel the abundant energy of the youth into a productive and self-awarding sport. Aspiring mountaineers from all over the world come to this institute to develop their skills.

History of Darjeeling zoo

The Darjeeling zoo was established on August 14, 1958, in the Birch Hill neighbourhood of Darjeeling under the Department of Education of the Government of West Bengal, with a goal to study and preserve Himalayan fauna. In January 1972, the park became a registered society, with an agreement that maintenance costs would be shared by the central and state governments. The park was transferred to the West Bengal Department of Forests in the May of 1993 and was renamed Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park in 1975. Captive breeding of snow leopards was started in 1983, with leopards which were brought to the zoo from Zurich, the United States, and Leh-Ladakh. The red panda program was started in 1994. With the success of these programmes in repopulating endangered species, the efforts of the park were hailed by environmentalists all over the world and it has been a major ecological hotspot ever since.

Highlights of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

The Darjeeling Zoo has many endangered species of animal that you might not get to see any place else. Tibetian wolf, Snow leopard, the Siberian tiger is noted crowd attraction and has been garnering tourists here since the very beginning. The exotic zoo includes an off-display breeding centre for snow leopards and red pandas which is a great attraction for many animal lovers. There are Siberian Tigers, Yaks among other animals. You can also witness the Himalayan Black Bear roaming about as you walk a little ahead. The zoo also maintains Himalayan flora that brings many nature lovers to the place.

Exploring Darjeeling Zoo

The layout of the Darjeeling Zoo has been made such that it somewhat imitates the living conditions of the Alpine animals that are bred here. As you enter through the main gate, you are welcomed with a huge aviary that houses many different kinds of birds such as Rose Ring Parakeets, Hill Mynas, Ring-Necked Pheasants, and Blue Gold Macaw. From here on, there are roads that span into every direction possible, and you can choose your pick. If you decide to take the straight road uphill, you will see a flight of stairs which are supposed to be taken on your journey back and not into the zoo. After you walk a few paces, you will be able to spot a few Himalayan Black Bears lolling around which are originally native to the mountains of Tibet, Nepal and China.

A few steps beyond the bears' enclosure, if you peer to your left over the fence, you will see Yaks which are native to Himalayan and Southcentral Asia spending a quiet time here. Keep walking uphill, and you will encounter the upper section of the zoo. Take the road on the right and you will see a number of big cats such as Indian Tigers, Snow Leopards, Black Leopards and Clouded Leopards in open spaces but bound by wires. A prized possession of the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is its very rare Siberian Tiger, which can be seen here as well. The section on the right has Tibetan Wolves in an open area, and a section next to it houses Jackals.

Once you reach the bottom of the zoo near the aviary, you will be able to see the Red Panda Conservation Section, where a suitable environment has been created for them to be able to live a healthy life and repopulate their species. Among other animals that you can see on this stretch are Sambar Deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Barking Deer, Goral and Musk Deer.

How To Reach Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

A convenient drive away from central Darjeeling, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is easily accessible via cabs. However, cars are not allowed to the entrance of the zoo. You can also take the Jawahar Road from Mall Road and keep walking for about 30 minutes until you reach the zoo. Another way to Darjeeling Zoo is via the Lebong Cart Road which lies just below the zoo, from where you can walk uphill to reach the premises.

Battery Operated Carts are also available from the Gorkha Bhawan to Darjeeling Zoo, which can accommodate 8 persons at a time. It runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and charges INR 20 per person for one way. You can also hire the entire cart for INR 500.