Introduction to Possum Rescue and Care

WHY DOES OUR WILDLIFE NEED OUR HELP? OUR WILDLIFE POPULATIONS FACE MANY DANGERS AS THEIR HABITAT DECREASES AND THEY ARE FORCED TO LIVE CLOSER TO US. THE BIGGEST DANGERS ARE CATS, DOGS, CARS, POISONS AND LOSS OF NATIVE HABITAT. WHEN CONCERNED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FIND WILDLIFE THAT IS SICK, INJURED OR ORPHANED, THEY LOOK TO VETS AND WILDLIFE CARERS TO STEP IN AND HELP. IN A FUTURE OF CLIMATE CHANGE, WILDLIFE CARERS WILL BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER, AS WE HAVE SEEN WITH THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED WESTERN RINGTAIL POSSUM IN W.A. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER? INTRODUCTION TO POSSUM CARE COURSE OUTLINE WHAT WILL YOU GET OUT OF IT? * Learn how to help and rescue injured/sick/orphaned wildlife * Learn how to raise orphaned joeys * Help with research data collection * Receive mentoring and further training * Work with like minded people TOPICS COVERED: * The different species * Endangered species * Why we need to rescue possums * How to identify illness or injury * How to raise orphaned possum joeys * Feeding - joeys to adults * Housing requirements * Aviaries and cages * Release back to the wild – going home * Permits REQUIREMENT OF A VOLUNTEER WILDLIFE CARER: * A current drivers licence and a car * Ability to commit your time – includes leaf collection, regular milk feed schedule, cleaning enclosures THE COSTS FOR HELPING AND RAISING ORPHANED POSSUMS INCLUDE: * at least one indoor cage and * one outdoor aviary * ongoing possum formula and food * equipment such as feeding syringes, a basket, heat pad, thermometer * petrol costs for going on rescues and driving to collect leaf * a smartphone and or a computer for data collection IF THIS IS NOT FOR YOU BUT YOU STILL WANT TO HELP WE ALSO NEED HELP WITH: * Rescuing animals to take them to another carer or vet * Transport animals already contained to a carer or vet * Volunteers to collect gum leaf for other carers * Fundraising * Working on PR and marketing * Helping write the newsletter * Writing for or monitoring social media * Data entry * IT * Statistical analysis * Building nest boxes from kits * Making pouches * Becoming a financial member * Donations * Sponsors Course will run from 1pm to 5 pm with afternoon tea included 12:30 PM REGISTRATION. PURCHASE TICKET NOW - LIMITED PLACES - 30 people max per course Cost $35 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA - MAGILL CAMPUS Amy Wheaton Building (H1) - Downstairs Room 10 St Bernards Rd Magill _Parking will take time so please take that into account. _ _Enter carpark M1 from Saint Bernards Road_ We hope at the end of the information session you would like to commit to joining us and helping us reach our vision of being a respected, knowledgeable and caring group of people dedicated to conservation, education and research of SA's wildlife. Event Queries - call Marian - 0408 613 749