Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the most important wildlife parks in India, which is located in Darjeeling, and is famous for protecting rare Himalayan animals. This zoo is not like normal city zoos. Here, animals live in large open areas that look close to their natural homes. Because of the rare Himalayan animals, this park attract’s traveller.

The zoo plays a big role in saving endangered Himalayan species and teaching people about wildlife conservation.

Where is Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park located?

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, at an altitude of about 7,000 feet, which makes it india first high altitude zoo in India. Because of the high altitude, there is cool weather throughout the year, and the climate is perfect for mountain animals.

The zoo is surrounded by forests, hills, and misty mountains, making it one of the most scenic zoos in India. Animals feel less stress and live healthier lives.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park History and Purpose

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park was established in 1958. And the name of the park is derived from Sarojini Naidu’s daughter, Padmaja Naidu. The Zoo mainly focus on Himalayan wildlife to protect animals that do not survive in hot plains.

Over the years, the zoo became a leading centre for breeding rare animals, especially the red panda and snow leopard.

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Why This Zoo Is Different From Others?

This zoo is different compared to others because of this is one of the largest high altitude zoos in the world. In this zoo, animals are kept in open natural enclosures, and no loud noise or heavy crowd is allowed.

This zoo is more like a wildlife conservation centre than a tourist attraction.

Animals of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Here are some of the animals’ details that are the main attractions of the zoo:-

Red Panda – The Pride of the Zoo

The red panda is the main attraction of the zoo. Red pandas are basically small, shy and tree-dwelling animal which is eat bamboo, furit’s and leaves of trees. It is listed as an endangered species, and it is only found in the Himalayan region.

This zoo runs one of the most successful red panda breeding programs in the world. Many red pandas born here are part of global conservation efforts.

Snow Leopard – The Ghost of the Mountains

Secondly, Snow leopards are also rare and hard to see in the wild. Snow leopards live in cold, rocky Himalayan areas. The Snow leopard is very shy but also a silent hunter, and they listed as Vulnerable

Padmaja Naidu Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world that has successfully bred snow leopards.

Himalayan Black Bear

The Himalayan black bear also a Vulnerable species that is in the zoo. You can easily recognise this bear by the white mark on its chest. It lives in mountain forests, eats fruits, insects, and plants. The black Himalayan bear are strong climber and swimmer. The zoo provides a forest-like enclosure so the bear can behave naturally.

Himalayan Wolf

The Himalayan wolf is a rare and lesser-known species. They live in high-altitude cold deserts and play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance by control herbivores population.

Seeing a Himalayan wolf in captivity is rare, which makes this zoo special.

Blue Sheep (Bharal)

Blue sheep are found on steep Himalayan slopes. Blue Sheep are also excellent climbers, and their bluish-grey coat helps in camouflage. They are prey animals for snow leopards. Their enclosure is designed with rocks and slopes to match their natural habitat.

Himalayan Birds & Pheasants

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is not only famous for animals like red pandas and snow leopards, but also for its collection of rare Himalayan birds and pheasants. These birds usually live in high mountains and cold forests, which makes them difficult to see in the wild.

The zoo provides a safe and natural environment where these birds can live comfortably and be protected from threats.

Conservation & Breeding Programs at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is not just a place to see animals. Its main purpose is wildlife conservation. The zoo works to save rare Himalayan animals that are slowly disappearing from the wild.

Instead of keeping animals only for display, the zoo focuses on breeding, research, and protection to keep them safe.

Best Time to Visit & Entry

Before planning your visit, it is important to know the zoo timings and entry details so that you can enjoy the place comfortably.

Avoid monsoon month, visit during March to Mat and October to December for pleasant weather and clear views. The zoo opens in the morning to the afternoon. Visitors usually come early in the morning, and in the afternoon it closes.

Images of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

How to Reach Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

To reach Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, you need to hire a taxi or a cab, which is 2 km away from the Darjeeling Mall Road. You can also directly hire a cab from New Jaipaiguri railway station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport, which is nearest railway or airport.

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Conclusion

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a perfect example of how humans can protect nature. It offers a chance to see rare Himalayan animals while supporting conservation.

If you are visiting Darjeeling, this zoo is not optional it is a must-visit.

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