Lion Deaths Mount as Vets Quit Over Recruitment Rules

A group of twelve contracted veterinarians, primarily serving in Gir and Sakkarbaug Zoo, have submitted their joint resignations. This mass action is a protest against the Gujarat Public Service Commission's (GPSC) recruitment rules, which they argue disregard valuable specialized experience in wildlife treatment. The veterinarians' decision comes as Gujarat grapples with a Babesia infection that has led to the deaths of five lions, including two cubs, within the last ten days.

The core of the veterinarians' grievance lies with the GPSC's advertisement for eighteen permanent Class II veterinary officer positions. They contend that the recruitment criteria are identical to those for the animal husbandry department, failing to give due weight to their hands-on experience with wild animals. The contracted vets, many of whom are posted in the Gir region and handle critical field duties such as rescues and postmortems for the Asiatic lion population, emphasize the distinct skills required for wildlife healthcare.

Despite multiple representations to senior forest officials, no satisfactory resolution has been offered. The veterinarians have given one month's notice, with their resignations set to be effective May 15, 2026. They previously urged for amendments to prioritize candidates with at least one year of wildlife or zoo experience, citing a precedent for such considerations in other recruitment processes. The ongoing lion deaths underscore the critical nature of their roles and the potential impact of their departure on the state's wildlife conservation efforts.