Red Panda Programme of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo, Darjeeling Selected as Finalist for WAZA Conservation Award.
The red panda programme of the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has been selected as a finalist for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Awards 2024.
In collaboration with various institutions and the Government of India, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has undertaken several habitat restoration initiatives.
Nine captive-bred red pandas—seven females and two males—were released into West Bengal’s Singalila National Park between 2022 and 2024.
The zoo’s conservation efforts are strengthened by its biobanking and genetic resources facility.
It preserves gametes, tissues and DNA of red pandas and other endangered species for future use.
The winner of the WAZA Award will be announced at the 79th WAZA Annual Conference held at Tarongo Zoo, Australia on 7th of next month.
