Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

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Red Panda in the Zoo
Red Panda in the Zoo

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the zoological park in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo is at an average elevation of 2133.5 m. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successfully captive breeding the Snow leopard, critically endangered Himalayan wolf and Red panda. The zoo is spread over an area of 44 hectares and attracts 300,000 visitors every year.

A 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. The zoo now contains endangered animals like snow leopards, red pandas, gorals (mountain goat), Siberian tigers and a variety of endangered birds. However, there has been concern regarding the fact that the Himalayan animals may face a threat due to rising temperatures in the hilly area.[1]

The zoo serves as the central hub for Central Zoo Authority of India's Project Red Panda.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ (2002) Depleting Forests Threaten Animals in Darjeeling Zoo Indiatraveltimes.com URL accessed on 4 May 2006

The park is named after Late Padmaja Naidu (1900-1975), the Governor of West Bengal (1956-1967)and the daughter of legendary nationalist leader, poet, orator and called the 'Nightingale of India' Sarojini Naidu.

[edit] References

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Darjeelingnews.net. URL accessed on 4 May 2006.

[edit] See also

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