A major step towards the conservation of Indian wildlife, the acclaimed Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park in Darjeeling is a historic milestone for the arrival of the Siberian Amur tigers. This heralds the end of India’s twelve-year wait for these majestic animals, underscoring the park’s status as the epitome of wildlife conservation and exchange.
The much-anticipated tigers, part of an exclusive exchange program, traveled from Cyprus’s Pafos Zoo and confirmed international cooperation to protect endangered species. After arriving at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, the Tigers were tenderly escorted by a dedicated team to their new home in verdant Darjeeling.
Director Basavraj S. Holeyachi, the visionary caretaker of the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, shed light on the challenging but rewarding journey that culminated in the acquisition of these tigers in the park. As part of the exchange program, the zoo parted ways with two red pandas, a symbol of the park’s unwavering commitment to global conservation alliances.
Careful adjustments were made to the zoo grounds before their public debut. Carefully adapted to meet the tigers’ needs while providing visitors with a unique viewing experience, the enclosures exemplify the park’s commitment to wildlife welfare and visitor enjoyment.
With increasing expectations among wildlife enthusiasts, crowd management protocols are in place for a seamless visitor experience. The zoo management carefully orchestrates the influx of visitors and ensures immersive encounters with rare tigers along with a rich tapestry of Himalayan fauna living in nearby natural habitats.
While the Siberian Amur tigers stand as the pinnacle of this revelation, the park’s heritage in wildlife conservation remains unrivaled. With successful breeding programs for red pandas, snow leopards and other Himalayan species, the zoo resonates as a bastion of conservation excellence.
As the male and female tigers acclimatize to their new environment at around one and a half years of age, they promise a unique visual spectacle. They captivate visitors with their bright orange coats and striking looks, symbolizing the brilliance of nature and the park’s commitment to protecting the world’s wildlife heritage. See Siberian Amur tigers at Darjeeling Zoo, the best zoo in India
For those who venture into the heart of unbridled beauty, the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park proves to be an unrivaled haven. When Siberian Amur tigers take center stage, visitors are in for an extraordinary encounter – an immersion in the grandeur of nature in the lap of India’s premier zoo.
How to reach Darjeeling Zoo and Visitor Experience:
Access to the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park in Darjeeling is a scenic drive that takes place amidst the tranquil landscape of the Birch Hill district. Travelers can fly in at Bagdogra Airport followed by a scenic drive to Darjeeling. From there, the zoo is easily accessible by local taxis or rental cars. Shared taxis or jeeps from Darjeeling to the zoo usually cost around INR 300-500, while private car hire ranges from INR 1000-1500. This route promises a peaceful passage and invites visitors to a realm where the majesty of nature awaits them.
Once inside the embrace of the park, tickets at a reasonable price of INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for children offer a gateway to a fascinating nature reserve. A visit to appreciate the diverse Himalayan fauna, including the fascinating Siberian Amur tigers, requires a dedicated exploration time of 2-3 hours. Despite the expected influx of visitors, the zoo meticulously manages crowds and ensures a leisurely and immersive encounter with wildlife treasures. Efficient queue management protocols, meticulously orchestrated by the zoo authorities, promise a hassle-free experience and allow every visitor to enjoy the splendor of the zoo’s inhabitants without unnecessary waiting.
This convenient combination of transportation, admission, and crowd management options is a testament to the Zoo’s commitment to providing an enriching and affordable experience for every visitor.
