Darjeeling zoo attempts at conserving Himalayan fauna Darjeeling, 3 Nov 2014: The Darjeeling zoo has, with the help of the Central Zoo Authority( CZA), completed three research projects for conservation of endangered Himalayan fauna while two more are underway. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, popularly called the Darjeeling zoo, is an active member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). “We at the Darjeeling zoo strive to successfully complete the various projects we undertake. We have done well in conserving and breeding the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Pheasant, Munal and Salamandar among many. We have also successfully restored some of the animals in the wild,” PNHZP director Alankar Kumar Jha said over phone from Delhi, on Monday. He said the zoo will soon be displaying various reptiles for the first time ever. He is in Delhi to receive a “special” award to be presented at the 2014-Earth Heroes Awards in Delhi on Tuesday. PNHZP has been picked by the Royal Bank of Scotland from among hundreds of zoos across the world for the award. “It is a matter of great prestige and honour for us to be the first zoo in the country to have been selected for this award. This implies that the world community recognises our work and effort,” he said. Eight active leaders from wildlife, environment and public policy, who are respected for their work and impact on environment and ecosystems preservation, have been appointed as independent jury for the RBS Earth Heroes Award 2014 that was instituted in 2011. The award recognises and honours individuals and institutions who have worked exceptionally to preserve and protect the eco-system. The jury will evaluate the nominations and select the winners for award categories, namely: ‘Earth Hero’, ‘Earth Guardian’, ‘Save the Species’, ‘Inspire’ and ‘Green Warrior’. In 2006 too, the PNHZP was awarded the best zoo by the CZA. The Darjeeling zoo was established in 1958 and since then has been working tirelessly for conservation and breeding of endangered Himalayan fauna. The PNHZP started the first Snow Leopard conservation and breeding project of the country. Subsequently, in 1990 the now successful Red Panda breeding in captivity was started. The zoo has also worked for conservation of flora inside its premises and augmented various research and educational programmes. There are 132 zoos in the country of which 11 fall under the large category, 27 in the medium and 36 in the small, while there are 58 mini-zoos. Besides, there are 13 rescue centres and 16 circuses. (EOIC)
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:03:17 +0000
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