Wildlife deaths shows shortage of trained veterinarians in Karnataka zoos
Davangere: Recent deaths of wild animals in zoos across Karnataka, including in Davangere, Belagavi and Mangaluru, have exposed a shortage of trained wildlife veterinarians in facilities run by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka, raising concerns over preparedness and institutional support for animal care.
A detailed report published by Deccan Herald says that across the state’s zoos, 13 veterinarian posts are sanctioned, but only two are held by Forest Department employees. Eleven positions are currently filled by officers deputed from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department or hired on contract, while posts remain vacant at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru and Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru.
According to the report, veterinary officers on deputation frequently lack proper wildlife treatment training. They also have had limited exposure to wild animals during their academic years. Veterinarians told DH that they are viewed as outsiders within the forest administration, which hinders coordination and field reaction.
The state government has reportedly agreed in principle to create a dedicated cadre of wildlife veterinarians, a move expected to improve morale and provide logistical support such as separate vehicles and treatment facilities. Zoo-Cum-Safari executive director Amarakshara MV told DH that there is an acute shortage of trained professionals and limited opportunities for veterinary students to gain hands-on wildlife experience. He urged colleges to extend zoo internships and strengthen training in wildlife ecology and treatment.
Shivamogga zoo veterinary officer Murali Manohar told DH that he had spent only a week in a zoo during his internship and had to rely on self-learning and field visits to understand wildlife behaviour. He also flagged delays in rescue operations due to the lack of dedicated transport for veterinarians, which can prove fatal when animals are trapped in snares.
DH further quoted Zoo Authority of Karnataka member secretary Sunil Panwar, who acknowledged the shortage of veterinary. He added that though all major zoos have veterinary officers, mini zoos consulting local veterinarians during emergencies.
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Trump says he ‘hasn’t even thought about’ continuing Iran ceasefire
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet considered whether he would continue the ceasefire involving Iran, while also claiming the United States holds the advantage in negotiations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was prepared to make a deal with “whoever is running the show” in Iran.
“They are fighting with each other, there’s tremendous infighting. They’re probably fighting for leadership in many cases. I think they’re fighting not to be leader because we knocked out two levels of leaders,” he said.
Trump added, “When they want they can call me. We have all the cards, we’ve won everything.”
Referring to ongoing negotiations, he said, “They gave us a paper that should’ve been better. And, interestingly, immediately when I cancelled it [envoy trip to Pakistan], within 10 minutes we got a new paper that was much better.”
“We talked about they will not have a nuclear weapon, very simple … They offered a lot, but not enough,” he added.
When asked whether he would continue the ceasefire, Trump replied, “I haven’t even thought about it.”
The remarks come as uncertainty remains over the future of the temporary truce and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
