Zoo Events

World Migratory Bird Day - II 10-Oct-2026

On 10.10.2026, PNHZ Park observed World Migratory Bird Day by organizing awareness activities to promote and educate visitors about bird conservation and habitat protection. The activities conducted are as follows: 1. Bird Conservation Message Corner: A Bird Conservation Message Corner was set up near the Migratory Bird section of the BNHM. Visitors were encouraged to share their thoughts, messages, and ideas about bird conservation. 2. Awareness Programme: An awareness programme was conducted near the Kalij Pheasant and Temminck’s Tragopan enclosures for young visitors. The children learned about these pheasant’s species and the importance of protecting birds and their natural habitats.

Wildlife Week, 2026 - II 02-Oct-2026

PNHZ Park, Darjeeling, observed Wildlife Week 2026 from 2nd to 8th October 2026 through a series of educational, creative and awareness-based activities. The programmes were organized to promote awareness about wildlife conservation, biodiversity and the importance of protecting natural habitats among students, visitors, locals and tourists. The various activities conducted as part of the Wildlife Week 2026 are as follows: 1. Online Wildlife Photography and Slogan Competition: 2nd October 2026 The Wildlife Week celebration commenced on 2nd October 2026 with the commencement of the Online Wildlife Photography Competition and Online Slogan Competition. The competitions provided participants with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and express their thoughts and messages on wildlife conservation. The best two entries from each competition were selected as winners. The photography and slogan competition was evaluated by Assistant Director Cum Veterinary Officer, PNHZP, Estate Supervisor, PNHZP, and Zoo Biologist, PNHZP. Winners – Wildlife Photography Competition: First Position: Mainak Dey Second Position: Mrigankk Shekhar Winners – Slogan Competition: First Position: Apsana Chettri “Link the Trees, Let Wildlife live with ease”. Second Position: Sushmita Chakraborty “Let Forests Flow, Let Wildlife Grow”. 2. Documentary Screening at BNHM Auditorium: 5th-6th October As part of the Wildlife Week celebration, a wildlife documentary screening was organized on 5th October & 6th October for visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The screening served as an informative and engaging medium to enhance awareness and understanding of wildlife among the audience. 3. Drawing/Painting Competition: 7th October 2026 On 7th October 2026, a Drawing/Painting Competition was organized for school students as part of the Wildlife Week celebration. A total of four schools participated in the programme. Sl No. Name of the Participants Class Name of the School 1. Ayan Rai IV Birch Hill Academy Vedanshi Mukhia V 2. Pema Diki Sherpa V Sambhota Tibetan School Karma Sherpa V 3. Tanam Limbu III St. Xavier’s School Obadaya Rai IV 4. Elishya Rai V Assembly of God Church School Divansh Khaling Rai IV The activity provided students with an opportunity to express their ideas, creativity and understanding of wildlife and conservation through art. The artwork was evaluated by Assistant Director Cum Veterinary Officer, PNHZP, Estate Supervisor, PNHZP, and Research Assistant, PNHZP based on Creativity and relevance to the theme. The Following are the winners of the Drawing/Painting Competition: Sl No. Position Name of the Student Name of the School 1. 1st Divansh Khaling Rai Assembly of God Church School 2. 2nd Ayan Rai Birch Hill Academy 3. 3rd Pema Diki Sherpa Sambhota Tibetan School 4. Wildlife Message Corner – 7th October 2026 A Wildlife Message Corner was set up as part of the Wildlife Week celebration to encourage visitors to actively participate in the conservation awareness programme. Visitors were invited to write and share their messages, thoughts and commitments towards wildlife and nature conservation. The Wildlife Week Celebration 2026 at PNHZP promoted wildlife conservation through educational and interactive activities, with active participation from students, schools, visitors, and the public.

Staff Farewell - II 30-Sep-2026

PNHZ Park bid a warm farewell to Mr. Siromani Syangden, Estate Officer, on 30th September 2026, following his retirement after 26 years of dedicated service. His commitment and sincere efforts towards the smooth functioning and management of the park will always be remembered and appreciated. PNHZ Park wishes him a happy, healthy, fulfilling life ahead, and a joyful retirement.

International Red Panda Day, 2026 - II 19-Sep-2026

Every year, International Red Panda Day is observed on the third Saturday of September to create awareness about the conservation of the Red Panda and its natural habitat. This year, the Park celebrated the day on 19th September. As a part of this year’s celebration, PNHZ Park organized a series of educational and creative activities to engage students, Zoo Rangers and visitors in the Red Panda conservation. The following are the list of activities organized on International Red Panda Day: 1. Zoo Rangers: Zoo Rangers prepared leaflets on International Red Panda Day which were distributed among the visitors of the zoo by them sharing important messages to spread awareness about the Red Panda Conservation. PNHZ Park also organized an Induction Ceremony for Zoo Rangers to recognize and welcome Zoo Rangers as important guardians for wildlife. The ceremony highlighted the aims and objectives of the programme, roles and responsibilities as Zoo Rangers. 2. Poster Making Competition: Poster Making competition was organized for college students, who were encouraged to prepare visitor-friendly poster on the topic “Bamboo & Red Panda: Protecting the Food and the Forest”. They were asked to present the information in a simple and engaging manner that could be understood by the school students and visitors. 5 students from Darjeeling Government college participated in the programme. 3. Online Poster Making Activity: To encourage wider public participation, an online digital poster making activity was organized. Participants were invited to create digital posters based on the theme “Bamboo & Red Panda: Protecting the Food and the Forest” OR “Restore. Reconnect. Protect: Securing a Future for the Red Pandas”. The top three creations were selected for certificates and recognition, and the selected posters were featured on the Park’s social media platforms on International Red Panda Day. The posters were judged by the Assistant Director Cum Veterinary Officer, PHNZP & Estate Officer, PNHZP on the following criteria: • Creativity • Relevance to the theme & • Scientific Accuracy. Following are winners of the Poster Making Competition: 1. 1st Upadhristi Saha Darjeeling Govt. College 2. 2nd Rishu Koley Darjeeling Govt. College 3. 3rd Koushikdittya Rajbanshi Darjeeling Govt. College The following are the names of the participants selected for the Best Three Creations for Online Poster Making Activity: • Sudarsha Tamang • Sidharth Chhetri • Ashwin Lama The programme concluded with the distribution of Zoo Ranger T-shirts to the Zoo Rangers followed by the distribution of prizes and certificates to the winners and participants of the Poster- Making competition. At the end of the programme, packet lunches were also distributed to the participants and accompanying teachers. The concluding session acknowledged the enthusiastic participation and creative efforts of everyone involved in the celebration.

Independence Day, 2026 - II 15-Aug-2026

The 80th Independence Day was celebrated at PNHZ Park on 15th August 2026. The park staff assembled near the Asiatic Black Bear enclosure at 9:00 am for the celebration. The programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Director, PNHZ Park, and the Estate Officer, followed by the National Anthem and Vande Mataram. The Director addressed the staff, followed by the Estate Officer. As a part of the celebration, the Best Beat Award was organized to recognize the efforts of the Zookeepers in maintaining their respective beats and enclosures. The beats were evaluated by the designated committee based on the following criteria: • Animal Husbandry & Animal Care • Enclosure Maintenance & Hygiene • Safety, Hygiene & Security • Record Keeping & Reporting • Teamwork & Cooperation • Initiative, Innovation & Professional Development • Performance Indicator: Animal mortality recorded in the assigned beat. (Score: Negative marking: Pheasants/Birds –0.5 per mortality; Herbivores –1 per mortality; Carnivores & Lesser Carnivores –2 per mortality) List of Winners for the Best Beat Award is as follows: Position Beat No. 1st Beat No. 5 (Herbivore section) 2nd Beat No. 6 (Old Conservation Breeding Centre) 3rd Beat No. 3 (Carnivore section) The celebration concluded with the distribution of certificates and prizes to the winners in recognition of their efforts and dedication followed by the distribution.

Celebration of Foundation Day, 2026 - II 14-Aug-2026

PNHZ Park celebrated its 68th Foundation Day with enthusiasm and participation from the staff members of the park. The celebration was organized over two days, with various games and activities for the staff, followed by the Foundation Day programme. 1. Staff Games & Activities - 13th August 2026. As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, various games and activities were organized for the staff members on 13th August 2026. The activities included: For Male Staff 1. Marathon • Below 40 years • 40-50 years • 50-60 years 2. Tug of war (5 members in each team) 3. Sack Race For Female Staff 1. Passing the ball 2. Water filling race 3. Thread & needle competition The activities were conducted according to the schedule programme: Sl. No. Time Activities 1 9:00 – 10:00 am Marathon from the Old Conservation Breeding Centre (CBC) to the PNHZ Park 2 10:00 -10:30 am Tug of War, Sack Race 3 10:30 – 11:00 am Passing the ball, Water filling race, Thread & Needle competition 4 11:00 am Dispersal 2. Foundation Day Programme - 14th August 2026 The main Foundation Day programme was held on 14th August 2026. All the staff members assembled near the Asiatic Black Bear enclosure at 8:00 am for the hoisting of the park flag, followed by the park Anthem. Director, PNHZ Park, Assistant Director Cum Veterinary officer and Estate Officer, PNHZ Park, addressed the staff afterward, followed by the prize distribution to the winners of the various games and activities and the distribution of sweets. The winners of the various games and activities are as follows: Marathon Division Winner Below 40 years 1st: Sahil Gurung 2nd: Arbin Tamang 3rd: Ashish Subba 40-50 years 1st: Aditya Tamang 2nd: Udip Singh 3rd: Amit Pradhan 50-60 years 1st: Amar Chettri 2nd: Bharat Rasaily 3rd: Siddhartha Chhetri Tug of War Winners SouravSharma Buddha Tamang Uttam Tamang Pema Dorjee Bhutia Nima Sherpa Sack Race 1st Uttam Tamang 2nd Anam Tamang 3rd Pema Dorjee Bhutia Passing the Ball 1st Rohini Chhetri 2nd Ranju Gurung 3rd Sabita Sunwar Water Filling Race 1st Bishaka Pradhan 2nd Hemlata Pradhan 3rd Pranita Gupta Thread & Needle Competition 1st Rohini Chhetri 2nd Bishaka Pradhan 3rd Preetika Lakandri

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.