The zoos in Hampi in Ballari district and Gadag will be getting wildlife veterinary hospitals with full-time staff, including veterinarians, which will help in responding to conflicts with faster response time.
B.P. Ravi, Member Secretary, Zoo Authority of Karnataka, said nine zoos fall under it and if all of them have veterinary hospitals it will support the Forest Department whenever there is a conflict situation. Skilled and trained staff were most needed for tranquilising and shifting strayed animals.
A veterinarian from Mysuru zoo had to rush to Belagavi on a call regarding human-animal conflict. A bear had strayed into human population in a Chitradurga village and the Forest Department wanted a specialist to dart the animal. They had to send someone from Shivamogga to handle the situation.
“In case of a delay in sending specialists, it can prove disadvantageous because of frantic crowds. If we manage to establish local rescue teams, it will serve twin purposes – looking after the welfare of captive animals and also handling such conflict situations with faster response time. The hospitals at Hampi and Gadag zoos make for one such effort, he explained.
