WIRES has a growing library of quality online wildlife training courses relating to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation across Australia.
More courses are also in development, and we recommend checking back regularly to see when new courses become available. As new courses are released, they will be accessible for eligible organisations under the WIRES Training Grant Program free of charge for the first month post-launch.
WIRES courses can be accessed by licensed wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife rescue and care organisations, and those working in a relevant industry (e.g. veterinary staff). If you are interested in accessing training for several individuals in your organisation, bulk enrolment and payment can be arranged.
ONLINE NATIONAL COURSES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Introduction to Wildlife Rescue
This course is designed to help rescue organisations recruit and train more new volunteers faster to begin rescuing the animals most commonly reported needing assistance, including birds, possums, lizards and turtles.
$30 per person
Please note this fee has been waived for 2023 for eligible new groups who have signed up for the WIRES Training Grant Program.
Lizard and Turtle Care Course
This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to safely rescue and rehabilitate lizards (with the exception of monitors) and freshwater turtles. You will learn about lizard and turtle identification and biology, how to safely rescue, transport and provide first aid to these animals, how to house and feed lizards and turtles, as well as common injuries and diseases that you are likely to encounter when rescuing these species and how to manage them appropriately.
$40 per person for approved participants
Sea Turtle Rescue and Transport
This course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to rescue and transport sea turtles safely. Participants will learn how to identify injuries and signs of disease, maintain high animal welfare standards, and become familiar with WHS considerations during the rescue and transport process.
$30 per person for approved participants
Koala Rescue and Transport
This course has been developed to provide wildlife rescuers with the skills and knowledge to capture and transport sick, injured or orphaned koalas safely. Participants will learn about essential koala biology and behaviour, identify signs of common injuries and diseases, become familiar with best practice rescue and transport techniques, and review a range of common koala rescue scenarios.
$30 per person for approved participants
Treating Wombats with Mange
This course is designed to address the WHS risks and hazards associated with treating wombats with mange, outline the currently approved techniques for treating mange and equip participants with the ability to ascertain the various stages of mange. Please ensure you/your group has the appropriate permits or licences required in your state before commencing any treatment.
$15 per person for approved participants
Sea Snake Rescue and Transport
This online course is designed to provide experienced snake rescuers and rehabilitators with the skills and knowledge to rescue and transport sea snakes safely. The course covers essential WHS considerations when dealing with these venomous animals and information on species identification, common reasons for rescue, rescue and transport techniques, and state-based reporting, rehabilitation facilities, and support.
$30 per person for approved participants
To be eligible to complete this course, it is recommended that all participants:
- have up-to-date training in the handling of venomous snakes
- have up-to-date training on snake bite first aid
Please note that completing this course does not result in the authorisation of the rescue and transportation of sea snakes. All individuals must adhere to relevant state licensing requirements regarding the handling of venomous snakes. In NSW, the Code specifies that sea snakes must only be handled by wildlife rehabilitators who have undertaken a venomous snake handling course, which includes training in venomous snake bite first aid and is refreshed every three years.
Understanding Pain in Wildlife
This 100% online course endeavours to address the impacts of inadequate pain management and how this implicates rehabilitation outcomes, the role of veterinarians in managing pain in wildlife, appropriate pain management strategies for wildlife rehabilitators, and the obligations and responsibilities of wildlife rehabilitators to manage pain for wildlife in their care adequately.
$20 per person for approved participants
Register Your Interest
To register interest in completing a WIRES National Training Course, please complete and submit the form below. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email training@wires.org.au