Darjeeling Zoo
Species: Snow
leopard, Red panda, Golden langur
Overview:
Darjeeling Zoo, or Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park,
is situated at an elevation of 2133.5 metres against the
backdrop of the Kanchenjungha mountain range. It was
established on 14th August, 1958, under the Department Of
Education of West Bengal for study and conservation of
Himalayan fauna. On 21st November, 1975, the zoo was
dedicated by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, then Prime minister of
India, to the memory of Mrs. Padmaja Naidu, former Governor
of West Bengal. The zoo has around one hundred animals of
thirty species. This zoo has taken notable efforts to breed
Red Pandas, Snow Leopards and Tibetan Wolves in captivity.
This zoo was visited by two independent animal welfare
investigators, Sanjib Sasmal and Shubhobroto Ghosh on 9th
June and 10th June. The investigators stayed at the zoo for
a total duration of twelve hours during the two days they
visited the zoo. Video filming was carried out with the
permission of the zoo director as well as still filming.
Notes were taken and conversations took place between the
investigators and various members of the zoo staff. The zoo
is situated close to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
and is located amongst the Jawahar hills. The general
impression gained at Darjeeling Zoo seems positive. Inspite
of being a captive facility exhibiting animals, this zoo
seems to know what it is trying to achieve. The
specialization on Himalayan fauna seems remarkable, with the
exception of the Siberian Tigers. Although valid questions
can be raised on the validity of captive breeding efforts
carried out at Darjeeling Zoo, the zoo does seem to have a
valuable potential for education. Animals like Red Pandas,
Pheasants and wild goats, if well maintained, could be
educational exhibits for visitors.
