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 - 2010
Dr Anne Fowler
We have been very fortunate to arrange for Doctor Anne Fowler to conduct two training sessions for us in the upcoming months: (Possibly two more but arrangements are still being made - keep checking for further updates!)
- Sunday 23rd May 2010 - Husbandry & Disease of Possums - at Greenvale
- Sunday 29th August 2010 - Husbandry and Rehabilitation of Injured Native Birds - at FLEMINGTON
The training session on birds was to be conducted at a venue in Greenvale but, as the venue was no longer available, an alternative had to be found at short notice.
The new locations is at:
Canterbury St Stables
49 – 53 Canterbury Street, Flemington
Melway 28 J11
Basic Rescue & Transporting - and - Advanced training - kangaroos, wombats & koalas
Narelle Smith is planning on conducting a Basic Rescue and Transport as well as Advanced training in June 2010. Both of these sessions will be in the northern suburbs of Melbourne however a venue is yet to be finalised.
If you are interested in attending one or both of these sessions, please send us an Email
Basic Rehabilitation of Wildlife
Narelle is also considering holding a 6-8 week (one night a week) rehabilitation course. If you are interested, please let us know via email using the link above.
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.
