Darjeeling Zoo’s groundbreaking work to protect the red panda has gained international acclaim. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) nominated its Topkeydara Conservation Centre for a prestigious award. This is a significant milestone for India, as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park’s red panda re-wilding project stands as a hope in the battle against extinction for this vulnerable species.
The zoo’s program aims to reintroduce 20 red pandas into their natural environments every five years, concentrating on re-wilding efforts within the forests of Singalila National Park. Nine red pandas have been successfully released, with three more being prepared for their return to the wild. This initiative is crucial, as only about 10,000 red pandas are left in their natural habitats, facing serious threats from habitat destruction and climate change.
Beyond re-wilding, Darjeeling Zoo has achieved a significant milestone in conservation by creating India’s first genetic biobank for endangered species, which stores genetic material from red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahrs. This biobank represents an important advancement in long-term preservation and biodiversity conservation in the Himalayas, ensuring that genetic resources are protected for future conservation initiatives.
The global nomination has invigorated the conservation community and underscored Darjeeling Zoo’s dedication to protecting India’s endangered wildlife. With backing from WAZA and other international conservation organizations, this program could become a blueprint for re-wilding efforts for other endangered species, both in India and globally.
