New training to help animal victims in disasters

25 July 2008

(Sydney, Australia) - More than 40 wildlife carers from across the country will gather in Canberra this weekend for the inaugural National Wildlife Disaster Response training.

IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) is running this first-ever workshop dedicated specifically to the issue of providing emergency relief for animals affected by natural disasters. It will teach the skills needed to alleviate suffering, save lives and will assist in ensuring we are prepared for the future.

“Australia suffers many natural disasters each year and, when disaster strikes, animals are often the forgotten victims caught in the path of a bushfire or a cyclone, a flood or an oil spill” said Tania Duratovic, IFAW Asia Pacific’s Emergency Relief Responder.

This two day workshop will cover all aspects of managing a disaster – from conducting an initial assessment, developing incident objectives to implementing a response plan. There are representatives from all States and Territories.

There are many wildlife carers and groups around the country who spend a great deal of their time and often money to help animals in need and this workshop will help to develop their skills and understanding of the process involved in responding to major disasters.

“Australia is blessed with remarkable native wildlife and remarkable volunteers dedicated to protecting our wildlife. IFAW is pleased to help those who so selflessly help the animals by providing this free training. Its heartening that people from all over Australia have come together to prepare for the next time a wildlife disaster strikes.” continued Ms. Duratovic.

The training is being conducted by internationally renowned emergency response expert Dr. Dick Green. Dick has responded to over 100 disasters and was involved in efforts at hurricane Katrina, the recent earthquake in China, as well as the tsunami in SE Asia in 2005. Dick has trained hundreds of responders in disaster prevention and response and his teams have rescued thousands of animals from floods, tornadoes, fires, and hurricanes. Dick is currently the Emergency Response Manager for Disasters for IFAW, based in the United States, and has traveled to Canberra especially to share his expertise and provide this essential training.

The training also includes a session on wildlife rescue and treatment from Dr Howard Ralph, one of Australia’s leading wildlife vets with over 30 years experience. Dr Ralph has attended a number of disasters to treat animals ranging from bushfires in Australia to oil spills in South Africa.

The training follows on from the annual National Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference which took place from 22-25 July 2008 of which IFAW is a major sponsor.

For media-related inquiries, contact:
Kerry Glenn, IFAW Asia Pacific Communications Officer
Tel: +61 9288 4993
Mobile: 0437 414 329
Email: kglenn@ifaw.org