Darjeeling Zoo adds new lab, ICU at animal hospital

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park(PNHZP) upgrades to its animal hospital which provides comprehensive veterinary care for the zoo’s inhabitants as well as other rescued creatures. The Veterinary hospital at PNHZP is perhaps one of the best in the north east region having equipped with most modern machines. 

PNHZP director,  Basavaraj Holeyachi said since last year the upgradation process is going on. 

“ we have established instrumentation lab , bio-chemist analysis, blood analysis urine analysis . Earlier if any incidents happened or animals went sick we had to send it to the labs now we are regularly monitoring it. Moreover, animal health profile can be monitored continuously”, said Holeyachi

He said that the Veterinary hospital has -Instrumentation lab, Fully automatic biochemistry analyser,Centrifuge machine
Hemocritcentrifuge machine for packed cell volume, Intensive Care unit for infants and 
-70 degree freezer for upkeeping of samples. 

The Veterinary hospital is located in the main zoo premises and is a double storied building with all the facilities for  a modern day hospital including lab, OT room, X-ray machine and proper nursing areas for injured or sick animals.

“ A three -year -old female rescued leopard has sustained multiple injuries and was near death like situation but was successfully treated at the hospital. The leopard is fine now and is under continuous monitoring”, added Holeyachi. 

The Veterinary hospital is headed by the Veterinary Officer of the Park Joy Dey , who is also the Assistant Director cum Veterinary officer of the Park, followed by a compounder and laboratory assistant who help in upkeep of the veterinary section , said the park authorities. 

PNHZP spread across  67.85 acres, is one of the largest High altitude zoo in India at 2150metres above main sea level houses 
400 plus animals. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the only specialized Zoo in the country and is internationally recognized for its conservation breeding programmes of Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf.
Other attractions includes: Markhor, Mishmi Takin,  Himalayan Black Bear.