In the last two months, two surgeries have been successfully carried out by a team of veterinarians in the Itanagar Biological Park. In the first case, a team of veterinarians performed a surgery on a tigress named Chippi in June to remove a tumour. Another surgery – this time on an Asiatic black bear – was performed in the last week of July. The successful conduct of these surgeries is a positive sign and will go a long way in saving wildlife in the state. The role of two veterinarians – Dr Sorang Tadap and Dr Nido Tayo – who performed both the surgeries, deserves mention.
Treatment and rehabilitation of animals is an important aspect of wildlife protection. For this, the state needs more veterinarians working in wildlife conservation. The environment, forest & climate change department needs to look into this aspect. Also, there is a need for state-of-the-art veterinary hospitals in the state to cater to the growing needs. There should be a particular section which caters to wild animals. A professionally trained wildlife rescue team, comprising veterinarians and other staffers, should be raised along with providing a state-of-the-art ambulance for wildlife rescue.