Darjeeling Zoo Shortlisted For A Global Award For Its Red Panda Conservation Programme; Schedule To Entry Fee, All You Need To Know

Red pandas are one of the rarest animal species in the world. In the entire world, there are only a little more than 10,000 red pandas. Understandably then, their conservation is of huge importance. A notable effort toward this cause was made by Darjeeling Zoo. Officially named the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, it was recently shortlisted for a global award for its red panda conservation programme. Here’s why the recognition is well-deserved.

Darjeeling Zoo Shortlisted For Global Award For Red Panda Conservation

According to an article which was recently published by The Print, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums or WAZA has shortlisted the Darjeeling Zoo for its efforts at conserving the population of red pandas.

Between the years 2022 and 2024, as many as nine captive red pandas were released into the wild. Three of them were males and seven of them were females. One of the females released gave birth to three cubs in the wild.

As a result of this, they were shortlisted as the top three candidates for the 2024 WAZA Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Awards.

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Schedule, Entry Fee And Other Important Details About It

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is India’s largest high-altitude zoo, situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Established in 1958, it was named after former West Bengal governor Padmaja Naidu.

The zoo specialises in breeding programs for endangered Himalayan species, including the red panda, snow leopard, and Tibetan wolf. It plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and works with international organizations to protect these rare animals.

The facility is renowned for its successful red panda breeding program and its beautiful setting against the backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga.

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Where: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling

When: 8:30 AM to 4 PM, Friday to Wednesday

Cost: ₹110 for adults and ₹180 for foreigners

Free for children below six years.

Have you ever visited this particular zoo? Would you like to, if given the opportunity? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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