Darjeeling Zoo, also known as Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is a popular tourist attraction located in the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level and covers an area of 67.56 acres. It was established in 1958 and is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including several endangered species.
One of the unique features of Darjeeling Zoo is its focus on conservation and breeding programs for endangered Himalayan species. The zoo has successfully bred animals like the snow leopard, red panda, Tibetan wolf, and Himalayan Thar, which has contributed significantly to their conservation efforts. It has also played a vital role in educating visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect endangered species.
Darjeeling Zoo is also known for its stunning natural
beauty, with lush green forests and snow-capped mountains in the background.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk around the zoo and admire the beautiful
surroundings while watching the animals. The zoo is home to several species of
animals, including the Himalayan black bear, red panda, clouded leopard,
leopard cat, Royal Bengal Tiger, Tibetan wolf, and several species of deer.
Apart from the animal exhibits, the zoo also has a large
aviary where visitors can see a variety of birds, including pheasants,
partridges, and Himalayan Monals. There is also a large aquarium that showcases
different species of fish and other aquatic creatures found in the Himalayan
region.
The zoo also has a small museum that displays a collection
of Himalayan fauna, including the different types of birds, animals, and
insects found in the region. The museum also has a collection of different
plant species found in the Himalayas, including medicinal plants and rare
herbs.
Let's look into some of the key animals, birds, and trees that you can find at the Darjeeling Zoo:
Animals:
- Red Panda: The Darjeeling Zoo is famous for its red pandas, which are native to the eastern Himalayas. These small, arboreal animals have distinctive red fur and are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Snow Leopard: The snow leopard is a large cat that is adapted to living in the high mountains of Central Asia. It is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching, and the Darjeeling Zoo is involved in breeding programs to help preserve the species.
- Himalayan Black Bear: The Himalayan black bear is a subspecies of the Asian black bear that is found in the Himalayas. It is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting, and the Darjeeling Zoo has a breeding program for this species as well.
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| Rare Himalayan Monal |
Satyr Tragopan: The satyr tragopan is another colorful bird that is native to the Himalayas. The males have bright orange and red plumage, while the females are more muted in color.
Blood Pheasant: The blood pheasant is a medium-sized bird that is native to the high altitudes of the eastern Himalayas. It has a distinctive bright red head and upper breast, with brown and grey plumage on the rest of its body.
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| Rhododendrons |
- Oak trees: Oak trees are also common in the Darjeeling Zoo. These trees are important for their wood, which is used for furniture and construction, as well as for their acorns, which are a food source for many animals.
- Deodar Cedar: The deodar cedar is a large coniferous tree that is native to the western Himalayas. It is valued for its durable wood, which is used for building and carving, and its resin, which is used for incense and perfumes.
It is also recommended to avoid visiting the zoo during
weekends and public holidays as it can get crowded, making it difficult to
enjoy the experience. Therefore, visiting the zoo during the weekdays is
recommended for a better experience.
Read Best Time To Visit Darjeeling and Gangtok
Canteen inside the Zoo
The canteen inside Darjeeling Zoo, is a popular spot for visitors to take a break and enjoy some refreshments during their visit.
The canteen is located near the entrance of the zoo and offers a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals at reasonable prices. The menu includes items like sandwiches, burgers, fries, momos, noodles, and tea or coffee. There are also a few vegetarian options available.
The seating area of the canteen is simple but clean and
offers a pleasant view of the surrounding hills and forest. The prices of the
food items are reasonable, and the quality of the food is generally good.
Visitors can take a break from their zoo visit, relax and enjoy the snacks
while admiring the beautiful surroundings.
The canteen also provides a much-needed respite for visitors
who may have spent a few hours walking around the zoo and need a quick break
before continuing their tour. It's an ideal place to recharge before exploring
the rest of the zoo.
One thing to keep in mind is that the canteen can get quite
crowded during peak visiting hours, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Visitors may need to wait in line to order food, and seating may be limited.
However, the staff is generally efficient, and the service is quick.
In summary, the canteen inside Darjeeling Zoo provides
visitors with a convenient and affordable option for food and refreshments
during their visit. The menu offers a variety of snacks and light meals, and
the seating area provides a pleasant view of the surrounding hills and forest.
Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a place to take a break and relax,
the canteen is definitely worth a visit.
Zoo Entry Fee
The ticket price for Darjeeling Zoo, varies depending on the age and nationality of
the visitor. The ticket
prices are as follows:
Indian citizens: Adults - Rs. 60,
Children (Below 1-5 years)- Free
(Above 5-12 years) -
Rs. 60
Foreign nationals: Adults - Rs. 100,
Children (5-12 years) -
Rs. 50
Please note that these prices are subject to change and may
differ from the current prices. Additionally, some activities and exhibits
within the zoo may require an additional fee. It's always best to confirm the
current prices and any additional fees before visiting the zoo.
Darjeeling Zoo, is a stunning example of conservation efforts in India.
Home to a diverse range of endangered species, including the majestic snow
leopard, red panda, and Himalayan wolf, the zoo is a testament to the
importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats.
Through its breeding programs and educational initiatives, Darjeeling Zoo plays a vital role in raising awareness about the threats faced by endangered species and promoting the need for their conservation. The zoo's efforts have also helped to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayan region, making it a crucial player in the fight against climate change.
In conclusion, Darjeeling Zoo is not only a beautiful and fascinating destination for visitors, but also a crucial player in the conservation of some of the world's most endangered species. Through its tireless efforts, the zoo is making a significant impact on the preservation of biodiversity, and serves as an inspiring example for other institutions around the world.
Read " Explore the 7 top Most Visited Places in Darjeeling"
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