Mr. A.K. Jha IFS, Director, during the presentation
Mr. A.K. Jha IFS, Director with the Nepal Zoo officials
Inaguration of WAZA 2014 in the presence of Honbl' minister for Environment Forests and Climate Change Mr. Prakash Javdaekar
Mr. Alex Rubel, Director Zurich Zoo, Mr. Alessandro Salvelli and Mr Cesare Avesani Zaborra, Parco Natura Viva, Italy with Mr. A.K. Jha IFS, Director and Mr. S. Syangden Estate Officer Darjeeling Zoo
Honbl' minister Prakash Javadekar, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change at the WAZA conference 2014.
During the presentation
Director with the participants and organisers
RBS EARTH HEROES AWARD FOR PRESERVING AND PROTECTING NATURAL HERITAGE
Mr. A.K. Jha IFS receiving the Earth's Heroe's Award 2014
Mr. A.K. Jha IFS RSB Earth Heroe's Award 2014
CBSG MEETING
CBSG 2014
CBSG Participants 2014
Discusssion during CBSG 2014
Mr. A.K. Jha, Director, Plenary Session CBSG 2014
Participants CBSG 2014
Plenary session
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group 2014
Visit of Honbl. Forest Minister, Shri Binay Krishna Barman, Govt of West Bengal (2)
Visit of Justice Pranab Kumar Chattopadhyay, Judge, High Court, Calcutta, Govt. of West Bengal on 16.10.2014
Visit of Shri Pramod Jain, I.A.S. Joint Secretary,Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, New Delhi
Visit of Honbl. Justice Manjula Chellur, Chief Justice, High Court of Calcutta
Forest Range Officers, A.P. Forest Academy, Dulapally, Hyderabad
Visit of Honbl. Forest Minister, Shri Binay Krishna Barman, Govt of West Bengal
Dow Hill Forest School, 103rd batch of DrFr
Central Academy for SFS, Dehradun
Celebration of 56th Foundation day of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The Park celebrated its Foundation day on 14th August 2014. Different schools from Darjeeling were invited to participate in the program to familiarize them with the zoo and its management. A coloring competition was organized for the students. Eight schools with a total of twenty six students participated.
The winners of the coloring competition were as follows:
Noore Anjum (Swami Vivekanada Primary School)- 1st prize
Nashree Khatoon (Municipal Girls High School)- 2nd prize
All the students were also given certificates for their participation in the competition. At the end of the program education materials were distributed to all the students and teachers.
A felicitation program was also organized where Mr. Michael Tamang and Mr. Chandrika Prasad Roy, Forest Gaurds, were awarded for their outstanding contribution to the Zoo. Mr. Michael Tamang was awarded the best of the worker year award for 2012-2013 and Mr. Chandrika Roy was awarded the best worker of the year award for 2013-2014.
Coloring Competition
Coloring Competition
Felicitation of Mr Chandrika Prasad Roy
Felicitation of Mr. Michael Tamang
Felicitation program
Painting Competition Prize distribution
Visit of Mr. Sanjay Mitra, Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal (front) and Mr. Basudeb Banerjee, Home Secretary, Governm
Visit of Shri Pramod Jain, I.A.S, Ministry of culture, Government of India, New Delhi
Field Visit of Brigadier General, Md. Latiful Haider, Addlt Director general Border Guard, Bangladesh
Visit of Brigadier General, Md. Latiful Haider, Addlt Director general Border Guard, Bangladesh
Birth of two Snow leopard (Uncia Uncia) cubs on 2nd May 2014
Snow leopard (Uncia Uncia) cubs on 2nd May 2014
Date of Visit
Name of the Visitor
Remarks
02.04.2014
Shri Alkesh Sharma IAS, Joint Secretary, Govt. of India. New Delhi
It was quite learning and enriching experience. I would like to compliment the team responsible for maintaining the zoo and for undertaking specialized breeding programme for endangered species.
13.06.2014
Shri Manoj Agarwal, IAS, North Bengal Development Department/Principal Secretary GTA
A very well maintained zoo with a perfect balance and harmony between fauna and flora. The specialized breeding programme for snow leopards and Red pandas offer this zoo a place of pride and distinction in its fraternity. My best wishes for all the office staff of this centre of excellence.
22.06.2014
Dr. Bikram Sarkar IAS (Retd), Kolkota
Wonderful time. My wife Sibani and I visited Darjeeling and the great zoo here after 21 years. We are very much impressed by the way the zoo is being maintained. Credit goes to Shri. Alankar Jha, Director and his team for this. We wish them great health.
26.06.2014
Brigadier General ,Md. Latiful Haider
Addlt. Director General
Border Guard, Bangladesh
We are really impressed to see the zoo in its perfect shape. We thank the zoo director and his staff for maintaining the zoo nicely. We also appreciate them for their kind hospitality.
18.07.2014
Sanjay Mitra,
Chief Secretary, West Bengal
I have been here quite a few times now and each visit has been even more enriching and wonderful. One of our 5 star attractions. All the best.
18.07.2014
Basudeb Banerjee,
Home Secretary,
West Bengal
Not my first visit which was in 1974. Best state of zoo since then. Keep it up.
Satellite FacilityTopkeydara Visit
Date
Name of the visitors
Remarks
23.04.2014
Dr. Yogesh Bharadwaj, Veterinary Officer, Nainital Zoo (Uttarakhand)
After visiting this breeding centre of red panda and snow leopard, we are really satisfied as this centre is giving a good feel as the work is going in good direction, which is undoubtedly full of dedication and patience of all the staff involved in this. We are also feeling satisfied that this centre is working in
India.
18.05.2014
Dr. Malay Maity, BLDO, Phansidewa.
The Breeding Centre at Thopkeydara is beautiful and fit for breeding of snow leopard and red panda.
18.05.2014
Dr. Uma Sankar Sen, Asst. Director, Disease Investigation, Siliguri, Dist. Darjeeling
Visited the breeding centre and found the snow leopards are maintained scientifically in natural condition. All the staffs including the doctor are working hard and sincerely to maintain the unit for increasing no. of snow leopards here for the sake of the environment.
19.05.2014
B.R. Sharma, M.S. WBZA
Very nice upcoming facility. Hope will be of great use in future. Darjeeling Zoo perhaps need to give more focused attention to Himalayan Thar (a species found in Singalila N.P. and as per 2003 census less than 100 in number) and Himalayan Monal (extinct locally in WB Himalaya)
12.06.2014
K.R. Singh, CCF, Odisha
Visited this breeding centre located in ideal habitat. The project is a milestone for future vistas in realm of conservation breeding of snow leopard and red panda in the country. Our best wishes to the project and staff associated with it.
Satellite Facility, Dowhill Visit
Date
Name of Visitors
Remarks
22.04.2014
Dr. Yogesh Bharadwaj, Vet. Officer, Nainital Zoo (Uttarakhand)
Today visited the Pheasantry and Herbivore section. No doubt the health status of all the animals is very good. We learnt a lot about the enrichment of the pheasantry and the practicality of breeding birds. The zoo staff is well versed with the breeding and has knowledge about the animals. The credit goes to all these staff.
19.05.2014
B.R. Sharma, M.S. WBZA
Visited Dowhill. Well created and maintained. Forester-in-charge has absorbed well the zoo functioning. Records are also well maintained. It will be a better idea to start the History Card with the laying of eggs- incubation- date of hatching. Very focused facility. Let us keep it this way only.
WORKSHOP HELD ON "CONSERVATION BREEDING OF SNOW LEOPARDS :
Two day Workshop held on "Conservation Breeding of Snow Leopards" : It was held at Darjeeling Zoo from 6th Nov to 7th Nov 2009, organized by Darjeeling Zoo in collaboration with the Central Zoo Authority with an aim towards working out a Conservation Breeding Management Plan for intensive management of the Snow Leopards in captivity.
Mr. A.K. Jha, IFS Director PNHZ Park, formally welcomed the guest in an inaugural function held in the late evening on the 7th Nov '09. The workshop cum training programme began with lighting of the lamp our honorable Chief Guest Mr. K.S. Rajendra Kumar IAS Chief Secretaty (Forest) Govt. of West Bengal along with other dignitaries
Experts like Dr. Yash Veer Bhatnagar, Senior Scientist of Nature Conservation Foundation and Director, Snow leopard Trust - India, Dr. L.N. Archarjyo Retd. Vet, Dr. Mir M. Mansoor, Chief Wildlife Biologist (Vet), Dr. Brij Kishore Gupta, Evaluating and Monitoring Officer CZA, including veterinarians and biologists working both in-situ and ex-situ facilities, forest officials, NGO members etc participated in the workshop. The participants had come up with different presentations regarding the Conservation of this species both in-situ and ex-situ, health issues were also discussed. At the end of the workshop after much discussions and arguments recommendations were drawn which are as follows :
Committee should be set up to evaluate all the management aspects, including all captive facilities. Snow leopard feasible study to setting an alternative site if necessary for Snow Leopard Conservation Breeding. Monograph of the captive management of snow leopard made by the coordinating zoo, financed by Central Zoo Authority (CZA) that
contains enrichment guidelines on the enrichment of snow leopard in the consultation with the people working with snow leopard in
captivity. Independent institute for ex-situ including conducting Diploma courses. A fulltime and trained Zoo biologist should be provided for snow leopard breeding programme. Advanced training for the supervisory staff, veterinary officers working with zoos to foreign zoos working with the species. Utilized the best genetic resource from the zoo, organization like CCMB, LACONES. The Project Snow Leopard initiated by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) should expand its objective to integrate ex-situ management to save
the species. The Work / findings of the studies under projects in-situ supported / financed should be shared with Central Zoo Authority (CZA), including
concerned zoos. CZA required concerned zoos to be member of snow leopard network of Snow Leopard Training maintained by the
snowleopard_network.org The coordinating zoos should come up with a list of expert persons.
RESCUE OF ANIMALS FROM DIFFERENT AREAS IN DARJEELING :
On 23rd March 2009 a melanistic form of Common leopard, female was rescued from Harsing, Lebong. The animal had entered a poultry pen and had already seized some chickens. The villagers in no time shut the animal inside the pen and informed the zoo officials. The animal was tranquilized and brought to the zoo.
An Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) aged four months (approx.), male was rescued on 5th November 2009. The animal had entered a village where it was caught and brought to the zoo.
A male leopard cat (Felis bangalensis) was rescued from Jorebunglow where it had entered a poultry pen and hadalready killed a chicken. Animal captured and brought to the zoo.
A male langur had entered the zoo vicinity during the month of May. Efforts were made to drive the langur away from the zoo compound, but efforts failed. Slowly as days progressed the langur was observed to come near the cage where the other langurs are kept. It frequently visited its inmates and finally on 28th May 2009 the animal was sedated and captured.
All the rescued animals are fine and in good health except for the Leopard cat that died after three days of its arrival in the zoo. On post mortem, the findings revealed parasitic load (both tape worm and round worm infestation)
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME FOR CARNIVORES :
The months of November '09 was marked as a month of enrichment for the Carnivores, with an aim to increase the animals well being by increasing exercise, satisfying behavioural needs and optimizing the level of stimulation that our animal receive as well as attempting to reduce abnormal behaviours. Enrichment also increases the visibility of the animals and keeps them active.
The animals have adapted well to these forms of enrichment and no adverse effects have been observed so far. Besides enrichment there has been lots of innovation work done at the night shelters. E.g. the old bear house was dismantled and an entirely new night shelters were built which are more spacious, airy plenty of light, etc. similar innovative ideas were also used for the snow leopard night shelter at the Breeding Center.
RETIREMENT AND DEATH OF STAFFS :
Mr. Kiran Moktan, Animal Supervisor retired on 31.08.2009 after serving the zoo for a period of 27 years. His dedication towards working for the Conservation Breeding of Snow leopards (Uncia uncia) is worth mentioning. The zoo will always feel his absence. Mr. Gopal Tamang, Driver retired on 31.10.2009. He has been working in this zoo since its inception and has served this zoo for the longest period of time. His friendly nature will be missed by the staffs. Mr. Ujjawal Tamang, Head Clerk left for heavenly abode on 01.08.2009; he was still serving the zoo. The family of PNHZ Park will always remember him for his sincere service to the zoo. May his soul rest in peace forever. Mrs. Munna Biswakarma, Gardner died on 25.11.2009. May her soul rest in peace.
ZOO WELCOMES SOME OF THE DIGNITARIES :
Sl. No.
Name of the Dignitary
Date of Visit
1
Mr. R.N. Hembram, Minister of State, Forest. Govt. of West Bengal
14.11.2009
2
Mr. K.S. Rajendra Kumar, IAS Addl. Chief Secretary, Deptt. of Forest, Govt. of West Bengal
07.05.2009 & 31.12.2009
3
Mr. A.K. Raha, IFS PCCF. West Bengal
22.12.2009
4
Mr. M.P. Madani, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
21.06.2009
5
Mr. Taralochan Singh, Hon'ble Member of Parliament
23.06.2009
6
Mr. Ajay Singh, Chontala Hon'ble Member of Parliament
23.06.2009
7
Mr. V.S. Bajwa, Hon'ble Member of Parliament
23.06.2009
8
Mr. Axel Gebauer, Director Gorlitz Zoo, Germany
08.08.2009
9
Mr. Bhim Dhungel, Hon'ble Ministr, Forest & Tourism, Govt. of Sikkim
21.09.2009
10
Mr. C.S. Yalakki, IFS CCF, Kerela
24.09.2009
11
Mr. G.J. Teggi, IFS CCF, Kerela
24.09.2009
12
Mr. A.P. Joshi, Addl. Secretary Deptt. of Atomic Energy
05.10.2009
13
Mr. K. Choudhuri, Vice Chairman, West Bengal Minorities Commission.
25/11/2009
EXCHANGE PROGRAMME :
On 08.08.2009 the zoo transferred 1:0 Kaleej pheasant and 0:1 Golden pheasant to Gangtok zoo. 3:3:0 Himalayan Tahr and 2:2:0 Blue sheep were acquired from Okinawa zoo, Japan on 23.11.2009. 1:0:0 Large Indian Civet was acquired from Dowhill on 30.7.09. 0:0:1 Himalayan Black Bear was acquired from Relling busty on 5.11.2009. 20 Star tortoises were acquired from Kolkata Salt Lake on 7.12.2009. 2:3 and 1:4 Barking deer was transferred to Satellite facility, Dowhill and Mahanada, Sukna respectively on 18.11.2009.
1:1:0 Silver pheasant were transferred to Alipore zoo and 2:0:0 Grey peacock pheasant were acquired from Alipore zoo on 29.01.10. 1:1 Lady Amherst and 1:1 Grey peacock pheasant were transferred to Shorea on 15.02.10. 0:1 Snow leopard was transferred to Sikkim Zoo on 24.06.10. 1:1 Lady Amherst and 1:1 Golden pheasant were transferred to Betwadhari Wildlife sanctuary on 24.06.10. 1:0 Royal Bengal Tiger was acquired from Alipore zoo on 5.07.10. 0:1 Red panda was acquired from Auckland Zoo on 09.10.10. 1:0 Red panda was transferred to Auckland zoo on 30.10.10. 1:1 Golden pheasant, 1:1 Lady Amherst and 1:1 Silver pheasant were transferred to Sikkim Zoo on 14.11.10.
2:2 Grey peacock was transferred to Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri on 06.04.11. 1:5 Golden pheasant and 1:4 Lady Amherst were transferred to Satellite facility, Dowhill on 06.04.11. 2:2 Red Jungle fowl, 1:1 Kaleej pheasant and 3:3 Cheer pheasant were acquired from Himalayan Nature Park Kufri on 10.04.11. 1:1 Sambhar deer was transferred to Satellite facility, Dowhill on 15.04.11. 1:1 Red and Blue Macaw were acquired from Kolkata on 23.06.11. 1:0 Common leopard was acquired from Rasikbil on 30.06.11. 1:1 Silver pheasant were transferred to Betwadhari Wildlife Sanctuary on 01.08.11. 0:2 Satyr Tragopan and 1:3 Temmink’s Tragopan were acquired from Paradise Wildlife Park, Scotland on 02.08.11. 0:1 Golden pheasant was transferred to Satellite facility, Dowhill on 02.08.11. 1:0 Lady Amherst was transferred to Himalayan Zoological Park, Sikkim on 30.08.11 and 1:1 Kaleej pheasant and 1:1 Red panda was transferred on 31.10.11 and 1:1 Grey peacock pheasant on 09.11.11. 1:1 Grey peacock pheasant and 1:1 Blue sheep were transferred to Satellite facility, Dowhill on 09.11.11 and 06.12.11 respectively.
1:1 Himalayan Goral were transferred to Sattelite Zoo, Dowhill on 12.7.1012. 1:0 Himalayan Goral was acquired from Wildlife Division Rasikbeel, Coochbehar on 27.08.12. 0:1 Snow leopard was acquired from Nuremberg zoo, Germany on 11.10.12. 1:0 Sambhar deer was transferred to Satellite zoo, Dowhill on 24.7.12. 1:2 Kaleej pheasant and 1:1 Silver pheasant were transferred to Alipore zoo, Kolkata on 21.11.12. 0:1:5 Himalayan newt were acquired from Balasan tea estate on 25.08.12. 0:1 Snow leopard was acquired from Nurenberg Zoo, Germany on 11.10.12.
2:1 Satyr Tragopan and and 4:2 Temminks Tragopan were acquired from Paradise Wildlife Park, Scotland on 12.01.13. 1:4 Markhor were acquired from Ausberg Zoo, Germany on 04.03.2013. 1:1 Himalayan Monal, 1:2 Kalij pheasant and 0:1 Temmink’s Tragopan were transferred to Satellite facility, Dowhill on 05.01 13 and 18.02.13 respectively. 1:1 Kaleej pheasant and 1:1 Red Jungle fowl were transferred to Alipore zoo, Kolkata on 04.07.13. 1:1 Grey peacock pheasant and 1:1 Golden pheasant were acquired from Alipore Zoo, Kolkata on 10.07.13. 1:1 Common leopard were acquired from Wildlife Division Rasikbeel, Coochbehar on 10.10.13. 1:0 Common leopard was transferred to Himalayan Zoological Park, Sikkim on 29.10.13. 0:2 Common Grey Langur were transferred to Rajkot Zoo on 04.12.13. 1:1 Grey peacock pheasant and 1:1 blue sheep were transferred to Himalayan Zoological Park, Sikkim on 10.10.13 and 20.10.13 respectively. 0:2 Snow leopard were acquired from Lodz zoo on 06.10.13. 1:0 Temminck’s Tragopan was transferred to Satellite facility, Dowhill on 18.02.13. 1:2 Asian palm Civet and 2:0 Jungle cat were acquired from Kolkata on 01.01.13.
1:1 Golden pheasant and 0:1 Grey peacock pheasant were transferred to Sikkim zoo on 22.02.14. 0:1 Red panda and 0:1 Grey peacock pheasant were acquired from Sikkim zoo on 22.02.14. 0:1 Kaleej pheasant and 1:2 Temminck’s Tragopan were transferred to the Satellite facility, Dowhill on 01.02.14 and 20.02.14 respectively. 1:1 Himalayan Tahr were transferred to the Satellite facility, Dowhill on 27.02.14. 1:1 Kaleej pheasant, 1:1 Red jungle fowl and 1:1 Golden pheasant were transferred to Mini zoo, Jhargram on 01.13.14. 1:2 Kaleej pheasant, 1:3 Golden pheasant, 1:1 Lady Amherst and 1:1 Common langur were transferred to National Zoological Park, Delhi on 06.03.14. 1:1 Blue sheep were transferred to Pt. Govind Ballabh Panth High Altitude zoo on 06.03.14. 1:1 Himalayan Goral and 1:1 Lady Amherst were acquired from Pt. Govind Ballabh Panth High Altitude zoo on15.03.14. 1:0 Snow leopard was acquired from Jhilava zoo, Czech Republic on 19.04.13. 1:0 Kaleej pheasant, 1:2 Silver pheasant, 2:2 Golden pheasant and 2:2 Red jungle fowl were transferred to Assam State zoo on 18.06.14. 1:1 Slow loris were acquired from Assam State zoo on 20.06.14. 3:4.
Retirement of staffs
On 30th of June 2010, the staffs of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling bid farewell to Mr. C.B.Thapa. He served the zoo for a period of thirty years. The zoo shall always remember his sincere service to the zoo.
Mr Rakesh Baraily of Veterinary Section retired on 31.05.2011, the zoo staffs organized a farewell for him 03.06.2011. His contribution towards the Veterinary section is commendable.
Mr. Bhim Kumar Sharma retired on 01.07.2011. The staffs of PNHZ Park, Darjeeling bid farewell to him. He is one of the oldest and dedicated Zoo keepers of the Park.
Dr. Sunita Pradhan, Scientific Officer of the Park, voluntarily retired from the Park and the staffs organized a farewell on 29.09.2011. Dr. Pradhan served the Park for a period of twelve years and contributed in an enormous way towards Research and Conservation Breeding Programme of endangered species.
On 06.07.2012, the staffs of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling organized a farewell to Dr. Raju Roy, Veterinary Officer of the Park. He served the park for a short period of two years and a month. He contributed a lot in the field of Veterinary care and animal’s health.
Mr. Nirmal Bhujel, Store Keeper of the Commissary Section retired on 28.02.2013, the staffs organized a farewell for him on the same day. He served the Park for 33 years and his contribution towards the Park is commendable. In the year 2005, he was awarded best worker of the Zoo.
On 01.06.2013, Mr. Lilbaran Roy, Gardener of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling retired after serving the Park for a period of thirty three years. He was sincere and hardworking throughout his service period.
IFS Training 2015
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