Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue Training Course

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue Training Course

Introduction

The need for skilled wildlife rehabilitators is more pressing than ever in our rapidly changing world. Human encroachment, habitat loss, and climate change are leading to increased human-wildlife conflict and a surge in injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals. This comprehensive Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue Training Course is meticulously designed to equip aspiring wildlife professionals, volunteers, and conservationists with the essential knowledge and practical skills to provide critical care. Participants will learn to ethically and effectively assess, stabilize, and treat wildlife, ensuring their successful release back into their natural habitats. This program is not just about saving individual animals; it's about empowering a new generation of animal welfare advocates and conservation stewards to protect biodiversity and promote coexistence.

This course is built on a foundation of ethical principles, scientific rigor, and hands-on application. It addresses the growing demand for professional and humane wildlife care, moving beyond basic first aid to a holistic approach that includes species-specific care, disease management, and public education. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical, case-study-driven modules, we aim to close the skill gap in the wildlife care sector. The curriculum incorporates the latest best practices and standards in wildlife medicine, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to make a tangible, positive impact on wildlife populations and contribute to broader conservation efforts.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Master Ethical Wildlife Handling and Humane Treatment protocols for diverse species.
2. Develop expertise in Initial Triage and Injury Assessment for injured and orphaned wildlife.
3. Implement effective Disease Control and Biosecurity Measures to prevent zoonotic transmission.
4. Apply species-specific Nutritional Requirements and Enrichment Protocols for captive care.
5. Gain proficiency in Stabilization Techniques and Basic Veterinary Procedures for a range of wildlife.
6. Understand Legal Frameworks and Permitting Requirements for wildlife rehabilitation.
7. Conduct successful Wildlife Release Protocols and Post-Release Monitoring for optimal survival rates.
8. Learn Habitat Assessment and Environmental Factors critical for successful rehabilitation.
9. Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict through public education and preventive strategies.
10. Utilize Data Management and Record-Keeping for tracking patient outcomes and contributing to conservation research.
11. Build a Professional Network within the global Wildlife Conservation and animal welfare communities.
12. Design and deliver effective Wildlife Education and Community Outreach programs.
13. Develop skills in Emergency Response Planning for large-scale wildlife events, such as oil spills or wildfires.

Organizational Benefits

• Enhancing staff and volunteer capabilities, leading to higher success rates in animal rehabilitation.
• Improving public perception and building trust through a demonstrated commitment to professional and ethical wildlife care.
• Reducing liability and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations by adhering to industry best practices.
• Strengthening community relations through a trained workforce capable of resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
• Contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts through systematic data collection and reporting.
• Boosting team morale and retention by investing in professional development and skill enhancement.
• Establishing a rapid and effective response team for wildlife emergencies and disaster relief.

Target Audience

1. Aspiring Wildlife Rehabilitators and Volunteers
2. Veterinary Professionals and Technicians
3. Animal Shelter and NGO Staff
4. Students in Zoology, Biology, or Environmental Science
5. Park Rangers, Forest Service Personnel, and Field Biologists
6. Zookeepers and Animal Care Staff
7. Individuals seeking a career change in the animal welfare sector
8. Eco-tourism Guides and Conservation Enthusiasts

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation

• The Ethical Compass.
• Legal Landscape.
• Rehabber Safety.
• Initial Triage.
• Case Study: The injured Peregrine Falcon: A case study in ethical decision-making regarding a bird of prey with a non-releasable injury.

Module 2: Veterinary Medicine & Basic First Aid

• Emergency Stabilization: Techniques for shock, hypothermia, and hyperthermia.
• Wound Care & Bandaging.
• Fluid Therapy & Hydration.
• Pain Management: Understanding and identifying signs of pain in different species.
• Case Study: The Raccoon with a Trapped Limb: A practical case study on on-site stabilization and transport of a large mammal.

Module 3: Species-Specific Care Protocols

• Avian Care.
• Mammalian Care
• Reptile & Amphibian Care.
• Aquatic Wildlife.
• Case Study: The Orphaned Opossum Pouch: A detailed case study on the hand-rearing and developmental care of a marsupial joey.

Module 4: Orphaned Wildlife & Neonatal Care

• Initial Assessment.
• Species-Specific Formulas.
• Developmental Milestones.
• Enrichment & Psychological Care.
• Case Study: The Fledgling Robin: A case study on determining if a baby bird requires human intervention and the steps for successful reunification with its parents.

Module 5: Habitat and Release Protocols

• Pre-Release Conditioning.
• Site Selection.
• Soft vs. Hard Release: Implementing different release strategies for various animals.
• Post-Release Monitoring.
• Case Study: The Rehabilitated Fox: A longitudinal case study on a soft-release program for a fox suffering from sarcoptic mange.

Module 6: Public Education & Human-Wildlife Coexistence

• Conflict Resolution
• Educational Outreach.
• Public Inquiry Management.
• Ethical Storytelling.
• Case Study: The “Injured” Deer Fawn: A case study on educating a concerned citizen about the natural behavior of a wild animal and the importance of non-intervention.

Module 7: Disease Management & Biosecurity

• Zoonotic Diseases.
• Facility Design: Creating a biosecure environment to minimize disease transmission.
• Quarantine Procedures: Implementing proper quarantine protocols for new arrivals.
• Necropsy and Sampling.
• Case Study: Avian Influenza Outbreak: A case study on responding to a large-scale disease outbreak, including facility lockdown and protocol implementation.

Module 8: Advanced Skills & Career Paths

• Wildlife Capture & Transport.
• Emergency Response.
• Data Collection & Reporting.
• Career Pathways.
• Case Study: The Oil-Soaked Seabird: A step-by-step case study on the specialized care and cleaning protocols for an animal affected by an environmental disaster.

Training Methodology

This course employs an experiential and participatory learning approach. The methodology is designed to be highly interactive and practical, moving beyond traditional lecture-based formats. Key components include:

• Interactive Workshops.
• Case Study Analysis.
• Hands-on Activities.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning.
• Guest Speaker Sessions.
• Mentorship and Coaching.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.