Red Panda Program Of Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo

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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World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Global Alliance for Conservation: WAZA is a worldwide organization that brings together zoos, aquariums, and wildlife experts to protect animals and their habitats.
Promoting Cooperation: WAZA encourages collaboration between zoos, aquariums, wildlife experts, universities, and regional associations to support animal care and conservation.
Focus on Conservation: The organization helps manage species conservation and improve the care of animals in captivity.
- Ensuring High Standards: WAZA promotes the highest care and management standards among its member zoos and aquariums.

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