West Bengal

• 28 Mar 2025

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Why in News? 

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, West Bengal, has become India’s first zoo to preserve DNA samples of wildlife found exclusively in snowy regions. 

 Key Points 

• DNA Sample Collection: 
  • The officials announced that the zoo has already collected 60 DNA samples from indigenous animals for profiling. 
  • Tissue samples have been collected from red pandas, snow leopards, and other native species that died in road accidents or captivity. 
• Cryogenic Conservation Initiative: 
  • The initiative is a collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. 
  • It aims to preserve genetic material for research and future conservation efforts, especially if these species face extinction. 
• Research on Himalayan Biodiversity: 
  • The zoo is committed to researching the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan region. 
  • A dedicated laboratory has been set up within the zoo for DNA preservation. 
  • DNA samples are stored in steel containers filled with liquid nitrogen at freezing temperatures. 
• Zoo Overview: 
  • The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park spans 67.8 acres and is located at an altitude of 2,150 meters (7,050 feet). 
  • It holds the distinction of being India’s highest-altitude zoological park. 
  • It houses endangered fauna, including gorals, Siberian tigers, and rare birds. 

 Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology 

• The Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) is a premier research organization which conducts high quality basic research and training in frontier areas of modern biology, and promotes centralized national facilities for new and modern techniques in the interdisciplinary areas of biology. 
• It was set up initially as a semi-autonomous Centre on April 1, 1977 with the Biochemistry Division of the then Regional Research Laboratory (presently, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, IICT) Hyderabad. 
• During 1981-82, the CCMB was accorded the status of a full-fledged national laboratory with its own Executive Committee and Scientific Advisory Council. 
• It is located in Hyderabad and operates under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. 
• It is designated as "Center of Excellence" by the Global Molecular and Cell Biology Network, UNESCO.