Donna and I have been caring for wildlife since about August last year, but it's nice to have a bit of a refresher, there's always something new you learn. Three of the people attending the course were friends of Donna's from college, all of them new members. A lot of the people attending had signed up as support members, but did the course to see what it's all about. Some of those are now thinking of becomming carers after their experiences yesterday. We also had a couple of members from the Pelican and Seabird Rescue organisation.
The course was a mix of theory; such as what the animals eat, how they should be housed, how to assess them, etc, and practical; the hands on stuff.
Everyone had a chance to assess some animals and to try handling them. The possum hold isn't as easy as it looks the first time you try it. Take it from me, the first time I tried it last year the possum managed to turn around and scratch my hand. Everyone that tried it yesterday seemed to manage better than I did.
At the end of the day while we enjoyed the sausage sizzle, Lesleigh, one of Donna's friends expressed and interest in doing a rescue next time Donna or I get called out. She didn't have to wait long before her wish came true as Natasja rang us that evening to go and pick up an injured lorikeet. More on the lorikeet at a later date.
The class during a break.
Brett and Natasja assess Banjo the brushtail, our newest member of the family.
Hands on. Natasja shows members how to assess a heron.
Brett and Natasja demostrate how to assess a python. This same snake tried to attack me through its tank several times last weekend. Thank God for the glass between us.
Binnie demonstrates how to feed a young ringtail possum. There were plenty of offers to take it home afterwards.
Brett cooks the snags while Sam makes sure he doesn't burn them.
It was all too much for some people. Matilda does what kangaroos enjoy the most.
1 comment:
I just read your last two blogs here Steve. I found them very interesting. - Dave
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