Darjeeling zoo first in India to house both Siberian and White tigers

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in Darjeeling has become the first zoo in India to house both Siberian tigers and white Royal Bengal tigers. On Thursday evening, a pair of white tigers, Akash (4) and Nagamani (7), arrived from Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad as part of an animal exchange program. The tigers were transported by special ambulances and escorted by zoo officials and veterinarians. Upon arrival, the tigers were placed in quarantine for 15 days for acclimatization before being put on public display.

The white tigers, a rare leucistic variety of the Royal Bengal tiger, are characterized by their pale coat and blue eyes. This mutation occurs due to a recessive gene and is found in only a small population of tigers. These tigers are considered highly rare and sought after for breeding and exhibition purposes, with limited numbers found in zoos across India. In addition to the white tigers, four golden jackals were also transported from Hyderabad as part of the exchange. The animals traveled by road, making stops in Bhubaneswar before reaching Darjeeling on Thursday evening.

Currently, PNHZP also houses two Siberian tigers, Lara and Akamas, which arrived in December 2023. The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The zoo acquired these tigers as part of an exchange program with a zoo in Cyprus, in return for sending red pandas. The zoo now has a unique collection of three types of tigers: Siberian tigers, Royal Bengal tigers, and white Royal Bengal tigers.

In exchange for the white tigers and golden jackals, the Darjeeling Zoo sent a pair of Royal Bengal tigers, along with several species of pheasants, including golden, silver, Lady Amherst, and Chir pheasants, to Hyderabad. The exchange program is aimed at promoting genetic diversity and supporting conservation efforts through the breeding and management of endangered species. Such programs are common among Indian zoos as part of the nationwide effort to ensure the survival of rare species in controlled environments.

Established in 1958, PNHZP is spread across 67.85 acres and is one of the largest high-altitude zoos in India. The zoo has gained recognition for its successful conservation breeding programs, particularly with species like the red panda, snow leopard, and Tibetan wolf. Its breeding programs aim to enhance the genetic diversity of species, which is crucial for maintaining healthy populations. Additionally, the zoo serves as a center for wildlife education and conservation awareness, offering research and educational outreach to the public and conservationists alike. PNHZP is also involved in research on animal behavior, health, and conservation strategies.