Being regarded as one of the best zoo in India, the zoological park is the largest conservation and breeding centre of endangered Himalayan species. The park initially known as Himalayan Zoological Park was established on 14 August 1958 as a joint venture between the Indian government and forest department of West Bengal to promote tourism in the hills of Darjeeling. Later in the year 1975, the park was renamed Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in memory of the former governor of West Bengal. It is regarded as the home to rare species such as Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Siberian Tigers, Himalayan Yak and many more.