National Training
WIRES has a growing library of quality online wildlife training courses relating to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, available 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 a number of 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 to the WIRES Training Grant Program
Sea Turtle Rescue and Transport
This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to safely rescue and transport sea turtles. Participants will learn how to identify injuries and signs of disease, maintain high standards of animal welfare, 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 safely capture and transport sick, injured or orphaned koalas. Participants will learn about important 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 current 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 safely rescue and transport sea snakes. The course covers important WHS considerations when dealing with these venomous animals, as well as 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, completion of this course does not result in authorisation of rescue and transportation of sea snakes. All individuals must adhere to relevant state licensing requirements regarding the handling venomous snakes. In NSW, The Code specifies 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.
Register Your Interest
To register your 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