Zoo Events

International tiger Day, 2026 - II 29-Jul-2026

PNHZ Park celebrated International Tiger Day on 29th July 2026 with enthusiastic participation from students enrolled under the Zoo Rangers Programme. A total of 8 Zoo Rangers participated in the programme. The celebration began with a Plantation Drive, where the Zoo Rangers planted native saplings on the zoo premises, symbolizing their commitment to a greener, healthier environment. Following the Plantation Drive, the students participated in an Educational Zoo Tour, during which they learned about the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and the conservation initiatives undertaken by the zoo. The Zoo Rangers also observed Enrichment Activities for the Royal Bengal and Siberian Tiger. They learned how enrichment encourages natural behaviour and enhances the physical and mental well-being of captive animals. The programme served as the first introductory gathering of the Zoo Rangers, providing students with an opportunity to interact with Zoo staff members and begin their journey as young ambassadors for wildlife and the environment. As part of the awareness campaign, informative leaflets on Tiger conservation were distributed among Zoo visitors. The programme concluded with enthusiastic participation from the Zoo Rangers, Visitors and Zoo staff, successfully promoting environmental awareness and responsible stewardship of nature.

Aranya Saptaha Celebration - II 15-Jul-2026

In observance of Aranya Saptaha 2026, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, organized a Plantation Drive and Sit & Draw Competition on 15th July 2026. The programme was conducted with the participation of 16 students from North Point Academy, along with the accompanying teacher and the zoo staff members. The programme schedule is as follows: 10:30am: Assemble near the Asiatic Black Bear Enclosure. 10:40am to 11:15am: Plantation Drive around the zoo premises. 11:30am to 1:00pm: Sit and Draw Competition. 1:00pm to 1:30pm: Evaluation of Drawing. 1:30pm to 2:00pm: Prizes/Certificates Distribution. 2:00pm: Distribution of Packet Lunch & Dispersal. Plantation Drive: The plantation drive was organized on the zoo premises, with active participation from students accompanied by their teacher and zoo staff members. As a part of the initiative, 50 indigenous tree saplings were planted. The details of the saplings are as follows: Name of the Saplings Planted: 1. Rani Chap (Michelia doltsopa) 15 2. Ghogey Chap (Magnolia campbelli)15 3. Lapchey Kawlo (Machilus edulis)10 4. Katus (Castanopsis sp.)5 5. Aarupatey (Prunus napaulensis)5 Total 50 saplings. Sit & Draw Competition: Following the plantation drive, a Sit & Draw competition was organized on the theme “Forest of My Dreams”. The competition encouraged students to creatively express their vision of forest, wildlife, and environmental conservation through art. The winners of the Sit & Draw competition are as follows: 1st Miss. Lhamin D. Sherpa-North Point Academy 2nd Master. Chewang Norbu Sherpa-North Point Academy 3rd Master Punit Yadav-North Point Academy The programme concluded with the announcement of the winners and the distribution of prizes and certificates to the winners and participants of the competition.

Training of Veterinarians for Reintroduction of Tigers at Buxa Tiger Reserve on Biology, Behaviour and Treatment at NBWAP, Salugara and PNHZ Park, Darjeeling. - II 25-Jun-2026

A two-day training programme for veterinarians was conducted at PNHZ Park Darjeeling from 25th to 26th June 2026. The training programme was a part of four days training programme. The first part was held at North Bengal Wild Animals Park (NBWAP) from 23rd to 24th June 2026. The programme was organized to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of Veterinary Officers in the management and healthcare of Royal Bengal Tigers. The following Veterinary Officers participated in the training programme: 1. Dr. Anupam Gabur, Veterinary Officer, Buxa Tiger Reserve. 2. Dr. Utpal Sharma, Veterinary Officer, Jaldapara Wildlife Divison. 3. Dr. Soura Maity, Veterinary Officer, Block Animal Health Centre, Kumargram. The training covered various aspects of veterinary care and health management of Royal Bengal Tigers, including handling and restrain procedures, disease surveillance, diagnosis and treatment protocols, emergency response, immobilization techniques, sample collection, health assessment, record keeping, nutrition, enclosure management, welfare protocols, and practical exposure to routine veterinary procedures. The programme provided valuable knowledge and practical exposure, enhancing the participant’s skills in tiger healthcare and management. The Training concluded with interactive discussions and feedback from the participants.

International Day of Yoga, 2026 - II 21-Jun-2026

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, observed the International Day of Yoga 2026 on 21st June at the Zoo premises from 6:30 am to 7:45 am. The programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 144 staff members of the park. The observance was conducted in line with this year’s theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting the importance of yoga in enhancing overall health and wellness. The yoga included various asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques under the guidance of yoga instructor Mr. Rudra Sharma, emphasizing the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life and overall health and wellness. The programme was successfully conducted with active participation promoting the spirit of health and well-being.

Health Check-up Camp for Zoo Staff - II 11-Jun-2026

A health check-up camp was organized at PHNZ Park on 11.06.2026 for the staff members of the zoo with the support of a medical team from Darjeeling District Hospital. The team comprised Dr. Sayanshi Deb Barma, (Medical Officer), Dr. Asis Bhattacharjee (Medical Officer), Sister Namrata Chhetri, and Mr. Pratap Subba (GDA). A total of 68 zoo staff members participated in the camp and underwent routine medical examinations. As a preventive measure against occupational exposure to animal-related risks, Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) was administered to Animal Keepers, Animal Attendants, and the Zoo Biologist. As a token of appreciation, the PNHZ Park felicitated the medical team with souvenirs in recognition of their valuable support and contribution towards the successful conduct of the Health Check-up Camp.

World Environment Day - II 05-Jun-2026

On 5th June 2026, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park observed World Environment Day 2026 through a plantation drive under the State-Level Tree Plantation Drive Campaign- “Ekti Gaach Mayer Naame”. The programme commenced with the gathering of all officers and staff members in front of the Asiatic Black Bear Enclosure. As part of the campaign, a total of 130 saplings of native species were planted across PNHZP (80 saplings), Conservation Breeding Centre Topkeydara (20 saplings), and Conservation Breeding Centre Dowhill, Kurseong (30 saplings) by Zoo officials and staff members as a contribution towards enhancing green cover and promoting biodiversity conservation. The species- wise plantation details are as follows: 1. Pipli (Exbucklandia populnea) 27 2. Kafal (Myrica esculenta) 20 3. Katus (Castanopsis tribuloides) 20 4. Sawur (Betula alnoides) 20 5. Paiyu (Prunus cerasoides) 20 6. Gagun (Saurauia nepaulensis) 10 7. Nebharo (Ficus auriculata) 6 8. Phutta (Brassaiopsis hispida) 5 9. Maya (Rhaphiolepis petiolate) 2 To further spread the message of environmental conservation among young visitors, caps carrying the slogans “Ekti Gaach Mayer Naame” were distributed among children visiting the zoo. The initiative promotes the State-Level Tree Plantation Drive Campaign and encourages children to develop a sense of responsibility towards nature and environmental protection. The event was also shared on the Zoo’s social media platforms to create awareness about environmental conservation.

Biodiversity Day Celebration - II 22-May-2026

PNHZ Park celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity on 22nd May 2026 to create awareness about biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection. The programme was organized in line with the global theme. “Acting Locally for Global Impacts.” As a part of celebration, interactive Keeper’s Talk sessions were conducted at different animal enclosures where keepers shared information about the animals, their importance in nature, threats faced in the wild, and conservation efforts. The schedule of the Keeper’s Talk was as follows: Time Animal for Keeper’s Talk Location 10:30am Asiatic black Bear Asiatic Black Bear enclosure 11:00am Himalayan Tahr Himalayan Tahr enclosure 11:30am Common Leopard Common Leopard enclosure 12:00pm Red Panda Red Panda enclosure Wildlife Documentary Screening were also organized at the Bengal Natural History Museum Auditorium to enhance visitor awareness. The documentaries screened were “Red Panda Augmentation” and “Forgotten Panda”. The screening schedule was as follows: 10:30am onwards: Red Panda augmentation. 10:45am onwards: Forgotten Panda 11:00am onwards: Red Panda augmentation. 11:15am onwards: Forgotten Panda The programme received positive responses from the visitors. Through interactive Keeper’s Talk and Documentary screenings, the celebration helped in spreading awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the need for collective efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. The observance of Biodiversity Day 2026 was conducted successfully with active participation from Zoo staff and visitors, making the programme informative, engaging and meaningful.

World Wildlife Day,2026 - II 03-Mar-2026

PNHZ Park celebrated World Wildlife Day on 3rd March 2026 with great enthusiasm and active public participation. This year theme, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods, highlighted the vital role of medicinal and aromatic plant species in supporting traditional healthcare systems, cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. As part of the observance, an Online Reel/ Video competition Under the theme, One Animal- One Plant was organized to encourage creative expression and awareness on the significance of medicinal and aromatic plants. The submitted reels were uploaded on the Zoo official Instagram and Facebook handles. The competition entries were evaluated by a panel comprising- 01. Assistant Director-Cum- Veterinary Officer 02. Zoo Biologist 03. Research Assistant and 04. Education Assistant After evaluation, the best three entries were selected as follows: 1st position: Miss Aishwarya Pradhan 2nd position: Mr Ajit Das 3rd position: Mr Asim Giri A Slogan Writing Activity was conducted for Zoo Visitors within the Zoo premises. Visitors of different age groups enthusiastically participated and expressed their ideas through thoughtful and impactful Slogans. Through engaging activities and public participation, the programme effectively reinforced the importance of plant conservation for sustainable health and livelihoods.

A Milestone Achievement: PNHZP Tops MEE 2022 Rankings - II 28-Feb-2026

In 2022, PNHZ Park was ranked 1st in all categories under the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) conducted by the Central Zoo Authority A proud milestone reflecting excellence in conservation, animal welfare, and scientific management

Hands-on training on Capacity Building on the Management of Birds/Pheasants at PNHZP - II 24-Feb-2026

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park conducted hands-on training on 24.02.26, focusing on capacity building on the management of Birds/Pheasants at PNHZP. Shri Dipankar Dinda, Avian Expert, conducted the training program for the Zookeepers and other officials of PNHZP. The training focused on scientific care, handling, nutrition, health monitoring, and enclosure management of the avian species at PNHZ Park. A total of 11 officials participated in the training. The program concluded with the presentation of an appreciation letter and a souvenir by the Director of the Zoo to the resource person.

Republic Day Celebration - II 26-Jan-2026

The Park celebrated India 77th Republic Day on 26.01.2026. All staff of the Park gathered in front of the Asiatic Black Bear enclosure at 9am for flag hoisting. The Director of the Park and the Assistant director cum Veterinary Officer addressed the staff of the Park. This year the Park organised a programme to felicitate the staffs of PNHZ Park based on staff nominations for the best performing staff of the Park. The nominations were divided into three categories, Animal & Veterinary Section, Office section and the Research & Field Section. Mr Dipen Gurung, Zoo Keeper, was awarded as the best performing staff under the Animal & Veterinary Section, Mr Amit Pradhan, Office Assistant, was awarded under the Office Section and Mr Bidhan Tamang, Security personnel, was felicitated under the Research & Field Section. Similarly, Mr Rohit Gurung, Zoo keeper, from Conservation Breeding Centre, Topkeydara and Mr Kishor Dewan, Zoo keeper from Conservation Breeding Centre, Dowhill were awarded as the best performing staff.