Source: TH
Context: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has become India’s first zoo to preserve DNA samples of Himalayan wildlife.
- The initiative aims to create a genetic bank or “frozen zoo” to aid future conservation efforts.
About Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:
- Located in: Situated in Darjeeling, West Bengal, at an altitude of 2,150 metres (7,050 feet).
- Established in: Founded on 14th August 1958, as a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal.
- History:
-
- Initially named Himalayan Zoological Park.
- Renamed in 1975 in memory of Smt. Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal.
- Transferred to the Department of Forests, Government of West Bengal in 1993.
- Operates under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
- Features:
-
- Largest high-altitude zoo in India spread over 67.8 acres.
- Known for ex-situ conservation and captive breeding of species like red pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves.
- Focus on educating and spreading conservation awareness among locals and visitors.
- Houses dedicated research facilities for animal health, behavior, and biodiversity conservation.
About India’s First Zoo to Preserve DNA Samples:
- Project Name: Popularly known as India’s first frozen zoo or DNA cryogenic conservation project.
- Aim:
-
- Preserve genetic material of endangered Himalayan species for future research and conservation.
- Facilitate assisted reproduction techniques and safeguard biodiversity from extinction threats.
- Implemented by:
-
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in collaboration with Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.
- Collection of tissue samples from captive and deceased animals like red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears.
- Storage of samples in liquid nitrogen at -196°C in dedicated bio-banking facilities.
- Project started in 2023, with 60 DNA samples collected so far.
