New recruitment rules for zoos

BANGALORE: A modified Cadre and Recruitment (C&R) rules applicable for employees of various zoos of Karnataka is ready and has been sent to the government for approval. The new rules will help the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) to create new posts and depute officers from other departments. The ZAK plans to recruit 60 assistant animal keepers for the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore; Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore; and Tavarekoppa Zoo, Shimoga. The present strength of animal keepers in all state zoos is 463 which is not sufficient. Soon, they will be promoted and treated on par with Group ‘D’ employees. ZAK Chairman Nanjundaswamy told Express that twelve veteranarians of the rank of assistant directors, with a minimum experience of 8-10 years in animal welfare, will be deputed from the Department of Animal Husbandry to Mysore, Bannerghatta and Shimoga zoos. The respective zoos will bear their salary, perks and other expenses as long as they work on their premises. “The modified rules sent to the government for its concurrence is final and will not be revised in the future,” Nanjundaswamy added.No Elephant for Germany ZooHe said the ZAK has dropped its plan of donating an elephant calf to Leipzig Zoo, Germany, following a PIL filed in the state High Court against it. The Mysore Zoo had received recently two pairs of black bears from Sri Tirumala Tirupathi Zoo, Andhra Pradesh. One pair from that zoo and another pair of bears which are currently in Mysore Zoo, will be gifted to Leipzig Zoo, for which procedures are being worked out. Nanjundaswamy also said that e-ticketing will soon be introduced for the convenience of visitors.