Endangered Red Pandas is on rise in Darjeeling zoo

Siliguri, June 29 (UNI) The number of endangered Red Pandas is on rise in Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (PNJP) of Darjeeling.

Deputy Director of PNJP B R Sewa said here today the zoo is now has 14 Red Pandas, mostly captive breedings, compared to 10 in 2003-2004.

''The zoo is in proud possession of 14 Red Pandas and the number has been rising steadily over the years,'' Mr Sewa said.

The number of snow lepards has also been increasing in recent times.

Mr Sewa said in 1980, two snow leopards were brought from Ladakh to the Darjeeling zoo. Now the zoo has 11 such animals.

The zoo, one of the prime tourist spots of Darjeeling, is also home of some rare species of Munal birds, which rose to to five now.

He said a Himalayan Thar and a Bluship would be brought from Japan soon.

''We have finalised the deal with the Japan government,'' he said.

UNI XC JYN PC PA KN1044