The Red Panda Program of Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award 2024. 

Reason for its selection

• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has undertaken several habitat restoration initiatives between 2022 and 2024 nine captive-bred red pandas (seven females and two males) were released into Singalila National Park in West Bengal.

About Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

• Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
• Established: Founded in 1958, the zoo is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet.
• Specialization: Breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions
  • Notable Breeding Programs: 
    • Red Pandas
    • Snow Leopards
    • Himalayan Wolves
• Global Affiliation: The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), demonstrating its commitment to global conservation standards.
• Legacy: Named after Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, the zoo honors her contributions to Indian society.

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About Red Panda

• It is a small endangered mammal. 
• Red pandas have dense reddish-brown fur, a black belly and legs, white-lined ears, a mostly white muzzle, and a ringed tail
• Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
• It is also known as the lesser panda.
• Conservation status: They are classified as 
  • Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
  • listed in CITES Appendix I. 
  • Listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• It is the state animal of sikkim. 
• It is found  in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the northern mountains of Myanmar and southern Chin
• In India, it is found in  Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh 
• Diet: Herbivores
• In India, both subspecies are found
  • Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
  • Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani)

Conservation of Red panda in India (Key strategies)

• Preservation and Restoration of Natural Habitats
• Establishing protected regions and wildlife corridors
• Maintain ecological integrity and biodiversity
• Engage local communities in promoting sustainable land use. 

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