Darjeeling Zoo: A Complete Guide to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Darjeeling Zoo: A Complete Guide to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, commonly known as Darjeeling Zoo, stands as India's premier high-altitude zoological destination and a world-renowned center for conservation excellence. Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet in the picturesque hill town of Darjeeling, this 67.56-acre sanctuary represents far more than a traditional zoo—it's a pioneering conservation facility that has revolutionized wildlife preservation in the Himalayan region and beyond.

Historical Legacy and Foundation

Established on August 14, 1958, the zoo began as a joint venture between the Government of India's Department of Science and Technology and the Government of West Bengal's Department of Education. Originally known as the Himalayan Zoological Park, it was founded with the ambitious goal of studying and preserving the unique fauna of the Eastern Himalayas.

The institution's transformation into a symbol of conservation excellence came in 1975 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited and dedicated the park to the memory of **Padmaja Naidu** (1900-1975), the former Governor of West Bengal and daughter of renowned freedom fighter and poet Sarojini Naidu. This renaming reflected the zoo's evolution from a simple wildlife display to a sophisticated conservation center.

The zoo's first director and founder, Dilip Kumar Dey of the Indian Forest Service, was specifically deputed to establish this high-altitude zoological park specializing in Himalayan flora and fauna. Among the zoo's early prized possessions were a pair of Siberian (Ussuri) tigers presented to the Government of India by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1960.

World-Class Conservation Programs

Red Panda Conservation: A Global Success Story

The zoo's Red Panda Conservation Breeding Projectepresents one of the most successful wildlife conservation programs in the world. In 2007, Darjeeling Zoo was designated as the coordinating zoo for red panda conservation breeding by the Central Zoo Authority[4][5]. The program began in 1990 with four red pandas of wild origin, and the first successful planned breeding occurred on June 20, 1994[4].

The program's crowning achievement came through its groundbreaking augmentation program. In 2003, the zoo released two female red pandas named Sweetie and Minnie into Singalila National Park—marking the world's first reintroduction program for the species[4]. Between 2022 and 2024, nine additional captive-bred red pandas were released into the wild, with five cubs subsequently born to wild counterparts[4][6].

This remarkable success earned international recognition when the Red Panda Conservation Breeding and Augmentation Program became the first Indian project shortlisted for the 2024 World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award[6][7].

Snow Leopard Breeding Excellence

Darjeeling Zoo operates India's only conservation breeding program for snow leopards. Started in 1983 as part of a global captive breeding initiative, the program achieved its first success in 1989 with the birth of two female cubs[8][10]. Since then, an impressive 77 snow leopards have been born at the zoo, making it a remarkable achievement in wildlife conservation[8].

Currently housing 14 snow leopards (7 males and 7 females), the zoo holds the world's largest captive snow leopard population.The program's success stems from careful genetic management, using a wide genetic pool to avoid inbreeding, and creating natural mountain environments within enclosures[8][11].

Cutting-Edge Scientific Initiatives

India's First Wildlife Biobank

In July 2024, Darjeeling Zoo made history by establishing India's first zoo-based wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). This revolutionary facility preserves DNA, tissues, and reproductive materials from endangered species at -196°C using liquid nitrogen.

As of 2025, the biobank has collected genetic materials from 60 animals across 23 species, prioritizing those at highest risk of extinction. This "frozen zoo" concept provides crucial backup genetic resources for future conservation efforts and potential species revival programs.

Advanced Research Facilities

The zoo has also inaugurated a state-of-the-art pathology laboratory and skeleton museum, enhancing both conservation and educational capabilities. These facilities enable advanced medical examinations, early disease detection, and provide valuable educational resources for visitors and researchers.

Diverse Wildlife Collection

Star Attractions

The zoo houses an extraordinary collection of Himalayan and alpine species that cannot be found elsewhere in India:

Carnivores: Snow leopards, Siberian tigers, Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, common leopards, black leopards, clouded leopards, Himalayan wolves, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan black bears, and jungle cats[15][16].

Herbivores: Red pandas (the main attraction), Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, markhor, sambar deer, barking deer, Himalayan goral, yaks, and the recently acquired Mishmi takin from Berlin Zoo.

Avian Species:  The zoo houses 9 pheasant species including Himalayan monal, cheer pheasant, Temminck's tragopan, grey peacock pheasant, and various exotic birds in a spectacular aviary.

Red Pandas: The Crown Jewels

Red pandas have become Darjeeling's unofficial mascot, featured on booklets, cafe signages, and shop posters throughout the town. The zoo currently houses multiple breeding pairs, with visitors often delighted by their playful antics among bamboo groves and tree branches.

Educational and Cultural Components

Bengal Natural History Museum

Located within the zoo premises, the Bengal Natural History Museum showcases over 4,000 specimens representing the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas. Established in 1903 and relocated to the zoo in 2016, the museum features:

-697 bird species displayed in naturalistic settings

-67 mammal specimens including rare cats, red pandas, and flying squirrels

- Extensive collections of reptiles, butterflies, and beetles

- A specialized taxidermy unit maintaining all displays.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Connection

Adjacent to the zoo, the **Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) adds another dimension to the visitor experience. Established in 1954 with Tenzing Norgay as the first director of field training, HMI features a comprehensive mountaineering museum showcasing Everest expedition history and Himalayan culture.

Practical Visitor Information

Timings and Entry Fees

| Season | Operating Hours |

| Summer | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |

| Winter | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |

| Closed | **Every Thursday** |

| Visitor Category| Entry Fee|

| Indians & SAARC Adults | ₹110 |

| Children (below 6 years) | Free |

| Foreigners | ₹180 |

| Camera Fee | ₹10 |

The ticket provides combined access to the zoo, Bengal Natural History Museum, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Location and Accessibility

The zoo is strategically located at Jawahar Parbat in Darjeeling, approximately 3 kilometers from the main town center. Visitors can reach the zoo by:

- Walking: 30-minute downhill walk from Chowrasta Mall Road

- Taxi: 15-minute drive from Darjeeling town center (₹150-200)

- From Airport: Bagdogra Airport is 67 kilometers away

- From Railway: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is 73.8 kilometers away.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal visiting periods are:

- March to June: Pleasant weather with active animal behavior

- October to December: Clear mountain views and comfortable temperatures

- Early morning hours (9:00-12:00 AM): Animals are most active and crowds are lighter

Conservation Impact and Recognition

The zoo's conservation efforts have garnered international acclaim:

- "Earth Heroes" Award 2014 from Royal Bank of Scotland (first Indian zoo to receive this honor)

- WAZA Conservation Award finalist 2024 for red panda program.

- Central Zoo Authority's top ranking among all Indian zoos in 2022

- **World Association of Zoos and Aquariums membership** since 2009.

Visitor Guidelines and Photography

Do's and Don'ts

Permitted Activities

- Photography with personal cameras (₹10 fee for professional cameras)

- Educational tours and guided visits

- Quiet observation and learning.

Prohibited Activities:

- Feeding or teasing animals

- Bringing plastic bags or pet animals

- Playing music or sports within premises

- Smoking or consuming alcohol

- Entering animal enclosures[34][35]

Photography Guidelines

DSLR cameras are permitted with the ₹10 camera fee. However, photography is not allowed inside the Bengal Natural History Museum. The zoo offers numerous photogenic spots, with red panda enclosures and snow leopard viewing areas being particularly popular.

Special Programs and Events

The zoo regularly organizes educational programs including:

- World Environment Day celebrations with biodiversity runs

- World Wildlife Day awareness programs

- Educational tours for students and researchers

- Conservation workshops with partner institutions.

Future Vision and Expansion

With its groundbreaking biobank facility and continued research partnerships with institutions like CCMB, IISER, and Wildlife Institute of India, Darjeeling Zoo is positioned to lead India's wildlife conservation efforts into the future. Plans include expanding the biobank program to other Indian zoos and continuing species reintroduction programs.

Conclusion

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park represents the perfect synthesis of conservation science, education, and responsible tourism. For visitors to Darjeeling, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness world-class conservation in action while experiencing the unique wildlife of the Himalayas. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, conservation supporter, or family seeking an educational adventure, Darjeeling Zoo provides an inspiring glimpse into the future of wildlife preservation.

This remarkable institution continues to prove that zoos can be powerful forces for conservation, research, and education—making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the incredible biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.

Citations:

[1] Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmaja_Naidu_Himalayan_Zoological_Park

[2] Zoo History - Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park https://darjeelingzoo.in/?tab=About

[3] Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park - Darjeeling https://darjeeling.gov.in/tourist-place/padmaja-naidu-zoological-park/

[4] [PDF] Conservation Breeding Programs: RED PANDA https://www.darjeelingzoo.in/web/pdf/conservation/con_prog/cbp_red_panda.pdf

[5] Red Panda Conservation Breeding https://darjeelingzoo.in/?tab=Rpp

[6] In a first for India, Darjeeling Zoo's Red Panda programme among ... https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/darjeeling-zoos-red-panda-programme-top-3-finalists-world-association-of-zoos-and-aquariums-conservation-award-9609725/

[7] Darjeeling zoo showed the world how to save red pandas. Now it's ... https://theprint.in/ground-reports/darjeeling-zoo-showed-the-world-how-to-save-red-pandas-now-its-on-a-global-award-shortlist/2343804/

[8] Darjeeling Zoo's Conservation Breeding Programme for Snow ... https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/darjeeling-zoo-s-conservation-breeding-programme-for-snow-leopards

[9] Darjeeling zoo has world's largest number of snow leopards https://forumias.com/blog/darjeeling-zoo-has-worlds-largest-number-of-snow-leopards/