Wildlife Training

Training is essential to WIRES mission of actively rehabilitating and preserving Australia’s unique wildlife, ensuring that the highest possible standards are maintained during the rescue and rehabilitation of native fauna. As Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation, WIRES provides an extensive range of wildlife courses for volunteers and industry professionals.

Rescue and Care 

WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) is WIRES comprehensive rescue and care training course. To become an authorised WIRES member for the rescue and care of native wildlife you must complete the RICC. The RICC provides volunteers with the skills and knowledge to assist with the rescue and immediate care of a range of species, and gives members access to enrol in advanced species training courses. To participate in WIRES training and volunteer with WIRES you must be over 18. Further information on this course and how to enrol can be found on the Rescue and Care page.

WIRES Introduction to Wildlife Rescue / Rescue 101 Course is WIRES new introductory rescue training. To join WIRES new Rescue 101 Programme as an authorised volunteer for wildlife rescue, you must complete the Introduction to Wildlife Rescue Course. This course provides volunteers with the basic knowledge required to assist with the crucial rescue and transport of animals such as birds, possums, lizards, turtles and frogs. To participate in WIRES training and volunteer with WIRES you must be over 18. For further information visit WIRES Rescue 101 page. If you are wanting to be involved in wildlife rehabilitation and advanced species training please refer to the RICC above. 

WIRES Introduction to Wildlife Rescue Course is also available online nationally for established wildlife rescue organisations as part of WIRES Training Grants Programme. 

Advanced Species Courses

WIRES run a wide range of advanced species courses for WIRES volunteers, members of other licenced wildlife organisations and industry professionals working with wildlife, such as practicing veterinary staff. The specialist rescue, rehabilitation and release courses WIRES run are for the following species categories and information on these courses can be found on the Species Training page: 

• Avian and Raptors
• Small Mammals, Macropods, Wombats, Large Mammals 
• Reptile Care (Lizard/Turtles) and Reptile Handling (Snakes)
• Flying-foxes and Microbats
• Possums and Gliders

Free 'Introduction to Australian Wildlife' Community Course

WIRES free online Community Course ‘An Introduction to Australian Wildlife’ has been designed for people of all ages as an easy introduction to Australian wildlife for individuals and families who are unfamiliar with Australian native animals. The course is available in Arabic, Chinese (simplified) and Chinese (Traditional). The course was designed in conjunction with the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust to help those new to Australia and who have no experience with Australian wildlife. For more information and details on how to enrol visit the Community Course page.

Wombat Mange Treatment Course

WIRES runs an online Mange Treatment Course to support WIRES volunteers and approved treatment providers nationally. Mange is a skin infection that has devastating effects on wombats that can be fatal if left untreated. The course details the effects of mange on wombats and wombat populations and outlines how to treat mange in situ via approved methods. For more information the Wombat Mange Treatment Course page.