The Red Panda Program of Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has been selected as a finalist for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award 2024.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has undertaken several habitat restoration initiatives in collaboration with various institutions and the government of India. Between 2022 and 2024, nine captive-bred red pandas (seven females and two males) were released into Singalila National Park in West Bengal.
The zoo’s conservation efforts are strengthened by its Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility, wherein gametes, tissues, and DNA of Red Pandas and other endangered species will be preserved for future use.
The winner for the WAZA award will be announced on the 7th of next month at the 79th WAZA Annual Conference in Australia’s Tarongo Zoo.
