India’s First Frozen Zoo: A Genetic Ark in Darjeeling
Preserving Himalayan Wildlife DNA for Future Conservation
In the Eastern Himalayas, a real-life “Jurassic Park” is taking shape, not to resurrect dinosaurs, but to protect endangered species. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is India’s first “frozen zoo,” preserving Himalayan wildlife DNA in steel tanks filled with liquid nitrogen at -196°C.
Collaboration between Darjeeling Zoo and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
- The cryogenic conservation initiative aims to keep genetic blueprints intact even if species dwindle in the wild.
- Bengal’s chief wildlife warden, Debal Roy, said, “This is an effort to preserve DNA samples.”
Collecting Tissue Samples from Wild Animals
The zoo will collect tissue samples from wild animals that die naturally or due to unnatural causes like road accidents.
Spread Across 67.8 Acres at an Altitude of 2,150 Metres
- India’s highest-altitude zoological park.
- Leader in conservation breeding programs for red pandas, snow leopards, and Tibetan wolves.
- Undertaken conservation work for species like the Markhor, Mishmi takin, and Himalayan black bear.
Frozen Zoos Gaining Traction Globally
Frozen zoos offer a last line of defense against extinction by preserving genetic material.
