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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Four held in Kalaburagi for brutal murder of man
Kalaburagi: Four men have been arrested in Kalaburagi on charge of hacking a man with lethal weapons and pelting stones at him under the limits of Station Bazaar Police Station recently.
According to police sources, Anand Jalak Shinde (34), Ashitosh Jalak Shinde (30), Imran Mehboob Sheikh (28) and Sohaib Anwar Qureshi have been arrested. The men are accused of the brutal murder of Syed Mehboob, a resident of Station Bazaar Upper Line Hamalawadi in the city.
An FIR was filed by the Station Bazaar Police Station based on a complaint given by Syed Ismail, father of the deceased Syed Mehboob.
Following quick probe, the police team successfully arrested the suspects within 24 hours. The arrested men were produced in court and have been sent to judicial custody.
The City Police Commissionerate has appreciated in an official release the police team’s quick solving of the murder case and arrest of the four men accused of murdering Syed Mehboob.
