Training
Have you often thought about wanting to help our wildlife but didn't know where to start?
Attending one or more of our training sessions will give you the skills and confidence to assist sick, injured or orphaned animals that you may come across during your usual activities such as driving or walking through the local park.
On completion of the Basic Rescue and Transporting session, you may choose to become actively involved with the Wildlife Rescuers (or a similar group in your area) and be called out to rescues and transport tasks.
Schedule
December 2009 - there are currently no courses scheduled.
We will be organising the 2010 training timetable shortly, although at this stage, no sessions will be conducted prior to the end of March in order to avoid the fire season.
Once we have dates and venues booked details will be added here so please keep checking this page.
Courses
We offer a number of training courses and it is prefered that you complete the first three in the following order: (Click on the course name to see a brief description of each)
- Basic Rescue & Transporting
- Advanced training - kangaroos, wombats & koalas
- Assessing wildlife injuries
- Basic Rehabilitation of Wildlife
Basic Rescue & Transporting
For those new to rescue and transport or wanting to refresh their knowledge.
At the completion of the session, attendees should feel confident about:
- how to safely handle and contain smaller animals such as birds, possums, bats, non-venemous reptiles,
- how to safely transport those animals in appropriate containers,
- avoiding stress and myopathy,
- where to take them,
- an introduction to the wildlife network of carers, vets etc,
- outcomes including euthanasia when necessary,
- basic equipment and use,
- checking pouches and rescuing joeys,
- marking deceased animals.
Basic Rescue and Transport is one session and usually held on a weekend at various locations throughout the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The session is of approximately 4 hours duration.
This session is a presentation only and does not include any practical exercises.
Advanced Training - Kangaroos, Wombats and Koalas
For those who have attended the Basic Rescue and Transporting training and already have some experience with handling, containing, transporting smaller animals and some knowledge of the wildlife network.
Rescues involving larger animals generally require more than one person and, therefore, a co-ordinated and planned approach.
At the completion of the session, attendees should feel confident about:
- responding to rescue calls when a larger animal is involved,
- how to safely capture animals such as kangaroos, wombats, wallabies and koalas,
- avoiding stress and myopathy,
- the appropriate planning and deployment of resources (people and equipment) to ensure a successful outcome,
- practical exercises on the deployment and use of 'roo' nets. (These nets are similar to tennis court nets and users must be appropriately trained in their use),
- how to safely transport those animals in appropriate containers, vehicles etc,
- where to take them,
- discussion about the wildlife network of carers, vets etc,
- outcomes including euthanasia, when necessary.
Advanced Training is one session and usually held on a weekend at various locations throughout the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The session is of approximately 4 hours duration.
As the session includes practical exercises, attendees should wear casual clothing and appropriate closed footwear, ie not thongs, sandals or high heels.
Assessing Wildlife Injuries
For those who have attended the Basic and Advanced training sessions and already have some experience with rescuing, handling and containing a variety of large and small animals.
At the completion of the session, attendees should feel confident about:
- basic theory of 'in the field' examination and assessment of injuries/illnesses sustained by wildlife,
- the assessment of viability of joeys and other young,
- appropriate field treatments such as rehydration,
- avoiding stress and myopathy,
- discussion about the wildlife network of carers, vets etc,
- triage,
- outcomes including making decisions on euthanasia, when necessary.
Assessment Training is one session and usually held on a weekend at various locations throughout the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The session is of approximately 4 hours duration.
Basic Rehabilitation of Wildlife
This course is aimed at people who wish to become registered carers and shelters for wildlife and attendees should have some experience with the handling and assessment of wildlife.
On successful completion of the course, attendees should feel confident about:
- the DPI (Department of Primary Industry) Code of Practice for the Welfare of Wildlife during Rehabilitation (download here),
- housing and cage requirements for various birds and animals including heating and cooling,
- appropriate diet for various birds and animals,
- illnesses and injuries and their treatment,
- feeding techniques,
- how to become a licensed carer,
- completing homework exercises,
- release techniques and requirements.
A certificate will be issued based on attendance, homework assignments and an exam. Attendance at the course and certiificate may form part of the application for a carer's licence.
The Basic Rehabilitation Course was previously conducted on one night a week for six weeks and it is anticipated that future courses will be similar.
