Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok (India)

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a 67.56-acre zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was opened in 1958 and an average elevation of 7000 feet is the largest high altitude zoo in India. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions and has successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda. The zoo attracts about 300000 visitors every year. The park is named after Padmaja Naidu daughter of Sarojini Naidu. The zoo serves as the central hub for Central Zoo Authority of Indias red panda program and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.