Red Panda Conservation Program in Darjeeling Nominated for WAZA Award
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums has recognized the Red Panda Conservation Breeding and Augmentation Programme from the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, West Bengal. This program is shortlisted for the 2024 WAZA Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Awards. The winner will be announced at the 79th WAZA Annual Conference in Sydney, Australia, on November 7.
Red Panda Release and Breeding Success
Between 2022 and 2024, nine red pandas, including seven females and two males, were released into Singalila National Park in West Bengal. Among the released females, three have successfully given birth to five cubs in the wild.
Collaborative Conservation Efforts
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, in partnership with the Wildlife Wing of the Government of West Bengal, has initiated several habitat restoration projects in Singalila National Park and the Darjeeling division. The zoo collaborates with institutions like the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, and Wildlife Institute of India for research on red pandas.
Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility
The zoo’s conservation efforts are supported by its Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility, which preserves the gametes, tissues, and DNA of red pandas and other endangered species for future conservation efforts.
Doubts Revealed
Red Panda -: Red pandas are small, tree-dwelling animals with reddish-brown fur and a long, bushy tail. They are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China and are known for their playful nature.
Darjeeling -: Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal, famous for its tea gardens and beautiful views of the Himalayas. It is also home to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
WAZA -: WAZA stands for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an organization that supports zoos and aquariums worldwide in their efforts to conserve wildlife and promote environmental sustainability.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park -: This is a zoo located in Darjeeling, India, known for its efforts in conserving endangered species like the red panda and snow leopard. It is named after Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, a famous Indian freedom fighter.
Singalila National Park -: Singalila National Park is a protected area in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is a habitat for red pandas and other wildlife.
Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility -: This is a special facility where biological samples like DNA are stored for research and conservation purposes. It helps scientists study and protect endangered species by understanding their genetics.
WAZA Conference -: The WAZA Conference is an event where members of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums gather to discuss conservation efforts and share knowledge. The 2024 conference will be held in Sydney, Australia.