Reports indicate that the National Zoological Parks Department is at risk of losing a significant number of specially trained officers due to the annual transfer process under the Development Officer Service.
In 2005, nearly 35 Biology graduates were recruited as Education and Research Assistant Officers and subsequently underwent both local and international training programs before being assigned to the Development Officer Service. Recognizing their expertise and the value they brought to the Department, the previous administration had taken measures to retain them within the Zoological Parks Department rather than transferring them to other government institutions.
However, current plans to transfer 26 of these officers at once have raised concerns that the Department could lose a substantial portion of its highly trained animal specialists. Scientific Service Officers have expressed worries that the replacements lack knowledge of zoology, potentially affecting the Department’s operations and research.
The officers also criticized the decision as unfair, noting that no investigations, disciplinary actions, or transfers have been conducted against senior officials accused of certain arbitrary actions, yet the development officers are being targeted for transfers.
