IFAW and Koala Conservation Australia prepare wildlife rescuers for bushfire season

CRITICAL training is being rolled out to help wildlife groups better prepare for bushfire emergencies.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is launching its wildlife search and rescue training course in Port Macquarie in collaboration with Koala Conservation Australia.

The course was developed in the aftermath of the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires, which ravaged the area and killed many wild animals.

Since the 2019–20 fires, the government and the wildlife sector have focused on improving wildlife management during bushfires.

IFAW animal rescue officer Robert Leach said more needs to be done.

“The processes don’t prepare your everyday wildlife rescuer for the challenges they may face in a disaster,” he said.

“When you’re heading into a fireground, everything is thrown out the window.

“You don’t know what you’re going to find, where the animals are, or how you will be able to help them.

“This training will upskill wildlife rescuers into wildlife first responders.”

The training shows rescuers how to navigate a fireground efficiently and safely while searching for wildlife.

It includes expert guidance on safety, search strategies, mapping, setting up triage clinics, what to do when encountering animals on the fireground, and responder mental health.

“We do not want a repeat of the Black Summer bushfires where we had animals suffering, and members of the public and wildlife rescuers putting themselves in harm’s way to rescue them.

“We must do all we can to minimise that hero behaviour where human safety is not prioritised.

“We are trying to do better for our wildlife, so they do not suffer so immensely again.

“Hopefully, better prepared wildlife experts will mean fewer members of the public will put themselves in danger.

“They can put their trust in committed, well-trained experts to save animals.”

Koala Conservation Australia conservation manager Scott Castle said, “Thankfully, there has been little demand on our post-fire rescue team in recent years.

“However, this course will help prepare our team so we can spring into action when required.”

Members of the public are urged to download the free IFAW Wildlife Rescue App, which connects individuals to their closest wildlife rescue organisation.

By Sis HIGGINS