Wildlife first aid course on offer

Wildlife warriors, rehabilitators and rescuers in and around Richards Bay are invited to a wildlife and rehabilitation course to be hosted at the NSRI Station 19 base next month.

Facilitated by Wildlife Rescue SA, the First Responders First Aid, Stabilisation and Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Workshop will be held from 5-6 March.

The course will, for two days, run basic introductory courses in wildlife rehabilitation for people interested in wildlife rescue or volunteering at a permitted rehabilitation centre such as Zululand Wildlife Crime Operations (ZWCO) or the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Durban.

Certified wildlife rehabilitator and founder of Wildlife Rescue SA based in Johannesburg, Michelle Watson said they are thrilled that the NSRI in Richards Bay has realised the need for this kind of training and has offered space for the training at Station 19.

Wildlife rehabilitation is fairly new in South Africa but becoming more popular as more species are impacted by urbanisation and need human help.

After becoming only the third person in the country to be certified by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Michelle realised that what was missing was a structured way for new rehabilitators to gain skills and experience to improve their animal care.

‘As a wildlife rehabilitator, I have got to see firsthand the impact rampant urbanisation is having on our indigenous wildlife.

‘Because of the threats to our environment and the extinction of many species, being a wildlife rescuer has become the driving force that gives my life meaning and allows me to right some of the wrongs I see daily.

‘Day 1 of the training is basically grounding for beginners or a refresher for more experienced rehabilitators. On the second day we go into more detail at a slightly more advanced level, which will teach people the skills to stabilise and transport a wild animal to a vet or rehab centre,’ said Michelle.

Jackie Smit, an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife honorary officer in Enseleni, said she contacted Michelle on her website due to being inundated with calls and reports of injured animals such as birds falling from nests or others getting trapped in wires or snares.

‘As part of ZWCO, which focuses on illegal fishing and anti-poaching, we are often called to assist with injured animals. The Richards Bay area is full of beautiful, rare and intriguing wildlife.

‘However, these animals are often injured by humans and other natural elements, requiring rescuers to take that animal into safety.’

Jackie said they will approach the municipality for funding in efforts to include school children from rural areas in the training course.

The cost is R1 800 per person and includes morning tea, coffee, snacks, and a goody bag with equipment to use on both days, as well as two training manuals, an exam and certificate.

Payment must be made at least 10 days before the course to:
Tyme Bank: Michelle Watson – Wildlife
Branch: 678910
Account number: 51044677439

Anyone interested in joining this once-off course should call Michelle directly on 073 3140674.

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