This is the country's largest zoo at a high altitude (7000 feet) and meets International standards for conservation and breeding. It specialises in conserving endangered species like Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and Snow Leopard in the Eastern Himalayan. The animals are kept in open spaces and just near the entrance you are greeted with the bear family (for a bear hug!) By and large the park has a variety of animals but animals belonging to the cat family are definitely favoured. There are common leopards, clouded leopards, snow leopards and black leopards to confuse you.
I have been to many zoological parks in India, but I noticed at this park, which is just a co-incidence that human beings are always on the look-out for proclaiming their supremacy. Their ego is on a super-roll if its over a wild animal, I saw people staring into the eyes of a leopard, who looked bored and dis-interested as if laughing within, at his spectators and thinking you can do whatever you want behind the barrier but you will go like a shot in the air if I were let loose. Some of them were putting their fingers through small holes of the metal barrier to seek attention from the sleeping animal, and banged the metal frames as if there was a fire, I conclude that they have forgotten that these are nocturnal animals and sleep in the day.
The park is very well organised with precise information about different animals placed rightfully next to its space. There is a map available at the office near the entrance and signs have been placed making sure you are not lost.
The park is very well organised with precise information about different animals placed rightfully next to its space. There is a map available at the office near the entrance and signs have been placed making sure you are not lost.
Comparison- The Gangtok zoo vis-à-vis Darjeeling zoo
Similarities- Both the zoos are situated in the Eastern Himalyan Range so they have rare animals like Red Panda, Snow Leopard etc. Both of them are a part of a forest reserve so they provide you an opportunity to experience hilly forests which have not been exploited but maintained by humans. One can enjoy the oxygen-rich walk plus see some rare animals. Both of these are quite neat and well maintained as far as Indian standards are concerned.( We could never boast of having great zoos or museums, we are content in showing off our ancient forts, palaces and tombs)
Differences - The Darjeeling zoo is much bigger than Gangtok and has all the animals which the latter has and many many more. It also has a locational advantage as it is very close to the main Mall Road- one can just walk up to it. It is also next to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (a must visit) which makes it convenient for the tourists.
Differences - The Darjeeling zoo is much bigger than Gangtok and has all the animals which the latter has and many many more. It also has a locational advantage as it is very close to the main Mall Road- one can just walk up to it. It is also next to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (a must visit) which makes it convenient for the tourists.