It is the only zoo in India that has a dedicated conservation breeding program for the red panda.
The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
It was founded in 1958 as the Himalayan Zoological Park before being renamed to honor Padmaja Naidu, the former governor of West Bengal.
The zoo participates in an international studbook program for the snow leopard.
It is located on Jawahar Parbat, which provides a natural steep-gradient landscape for its animals.
The park serves as a hub for the Himalayan Wolf conservation project.
It hosts a significant number of high-altitude pheasants, including the Satyr Tragopan.
The park was the first in India to successfully breed snow leopards in captivity.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is India's largest high-altitude zoo, situated at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet. It specializes in the conservation and captive breeding of endangered Himalayan fauna. The facility is world-renowned for its successful breeding programs for snow leopards and red pandas. The zoo maintains a sprawling, hilly terrain that replicates the natural montane habitat of its inhabitants. It serves as a central hub for the Central Zoo Authority's Project Snow Leopard. The park integrates research with public education, housing species rarely seen in conventional lowland zoos. Visitors navigate the park via steep, winding paths through dense vegetation.
The viewing deck overlooking the snow leopard enclosure offers a unique perspective of these animals in a simulated natural environment.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the entire park is on a steep incline.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures drop significantly due to the high altitude.
Carry water and snacks, as the steep walking paths require physical exertion.
Do not attempt to view the animals during peak afternoon heat when they often retreat to shaded, interior shelters.
Closed on Thursdays.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures, do not feed the animals, and remain strictly on designated walking paths.
