Darjeeling‘s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP), popularly known as Darjeeling Zoo, has added two rare white tigers to its collection as part of an exchange program with Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad. The white tigers—a four-year-old male and a seven-year-old female—were safely transported under the supervision of veterinary experts and zoo staff and arrived on Thursday night. They are currently acclimating to their new enclosures under strict observation.
An official from PNHZP confirmed that both tigers are in excellent health and are being closely monitored. “The tigers are in separate enclosures and are under observation,” said the official, noting that they would complete a mandatory quarantine period before being introduced to the public.
As part of the exchange program, PNHZP transferred a pair of tigers and several pheasants, including Golden, Silver Lady Amherst, and Cheer pheasants, to Hyderabad Zoo. In return, PNHZP received two pairs of Golden Jackals along with the white tigers.
The arrival of the white tigers is expected to draw more visitors to PNHZP. “The primary goal of acquiring the white tigers is to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the zoo,” the official stated, adding that there are no immediate plans to include them in breeding programs.
The Darjeeling zoo already houses a Royal Bengal tiger and two Siberian tigers—Akamas and Lara—who were brought from a zoo in Cyprus. The addition of the white tigers significantly enriches the zoo’s collection of rare big cats.
White tigers are renowned for their striking appearance, characterized by white fur resulting from a lack of pheomelanin pigment. They are generally larger than their orange counterparts, with some reaching lengths of up to 3 meters and weighing between 200 and 250 kilograms.
PNHZP is acclaimed for its conservation initiatives, particularly breeding programs for endangered species such as red pandas, snow leopards, and Tibetan wolves. To date, the zoo has successfully bred 18 red pandas and 11 snow leopards, solidifying its status as a leading conservation centre in India.
