Panaji: The state’s only zoo housed in the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary has had to manage its wild with veterinary doctors who only worked part time. The forest department is now in the process of finalising a full-time contractual veterinary doctor to strengthen wildlife treatment facilities in the zoo. Authorities said the new officer will work along with the existing part-time veterinarian, resulting in two wildlife veterinary officers at Bondla zoo.“The proposal was moved with the support of forest minister Vishwajit Rane and received approval from chief minister Pramod Sawant,” principal chief conservator of forests, Kamal Datta, told TOI. He further said that the recruitment process has already advanced significantly.Around 15 days ago, the department conducted interviews after issuing a public advertisement seeking applications from veterinary professionals. Five veterinary officers reportedly responded to the recruitment notice.An interdepartmental interview board subsequently selected one candidate, and the proposal has now been forwarded for final approval.Once cleared, the contractual veterinary officer will initially be appointed for a one-year term, with the possibility of an extension thereafter.“There will be two veterinary officers being associated with Bondla zoo, the existing regular veterinarian and the newly appointed contractual officer,” he said.
