A two-million-dollar partnership with Taronga Conservation Society Australia is helping increase survival prospects for Koalas and other native species affected by bushfires and other extreme weather events.
Funded through the Morrison Government’s $200 million Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitats, vets and veterinary nurses across Australia are receiving specialist bushfire trauma training which will help to increase survival prospects for Koalas and other native species.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the traumatic scenes of firefighters and community members rescuing Koalas were emblematic of the impact major weather events on populations.
“Major zoos such as Taronga are experts in animal care and are sharing their knowledge, skills and experiences of wildlife triage from the bushfires with vets and nurses across the Koala’s range,” Minister Ley said.
“As wonderful as vets are, standard veterinary education does not always include training in assessing and treating diseased or injured native wildlife, and this program ensures that specialist experience is available to ensure the best possible treatment can be administered if and when required.
“Our funding will provide vets and vet nurses with practical skills to help wildlife injured by bushfires, including how to treat and classify burns and understanding the importance of nutrition in the treatment and recovery of bushfire-affected wildlife.
“It also provides vet and vet nurses with guidance on how to stay safe while on a fire-ground and how to capture injured animals safely.”
More than 3200 vets and veterinary nurses across Australia have already completed the specialist training.
