Darjeeling zoo, known for its rare Red Pandas, has poor security measures

By Tarak Sarkar, Darjeeling (West Bengal), Sep 6: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoological park in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, which is known for its Red Pandas, lacks security measures, which a zoo of any international caliber is expected to have.

The zoo is the only specialized centre in the country, which is globally recognized for its conservation breeding programmes of Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species.

“You see when it is raining you went inside so if anyone just choose a rainy day then no one is going to see when you are going in, you can just walk through the doors, you don't get checks for anything. So, it may be possible that if you really want to steal one (animal) you could do it quite easily,” said William Menon, a tourist from England.

However, forest officials claim that sufficient security measures are maintained in the park and said that their system was foolproof.

“We divide the security of our zoological garden in six different zones, each strictly monitored by two guards both day and night we don't think stealing of animals is possible,” said Purna Singh, Assistant Animal Supervisor of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

The Central Zoo Authority has designated this zoo for the conservation and breeding of 10 endangered high altitude animal species including Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan.

Thousands of tourists from all across the globe come here every year to witness the rare species of this Himalayan region.