Wildlife carer responsibilities

Hand-rearing and rehabilitating wildlife needs training and experience.

If you don't have training and experience you will need a mentor until you can develop the experience you need.

Wildlife carers must have all of the following:

  • an understanding of the biology of wildlife
  • proven experience with wildlife or an experienced mentor
  • sound knowledge of species, feeding, behaviour, dehumanising and so on
  • an understanding of wildlife rehabilitation.

Wildlife carers need to understand the animal’s needs and provide suitable facilities before it is released. Cages and enclosures must be the right size for the animal/s and have adequate shelter.

Enclosures must stop escapes, break-ins by other animals such as dogs or snakes and cross-infection.

Wildlife carers must also consider any impacts a wildlife care facility may have on neighbours.

You should check local by-laws and planning standards.

Hand-rearing and rehabilitating wildlife can be intensive and time consuming.

A wildlife carer's work is voluntary and costs for food, bedding, cages, equipment and vets can be expensive.

While orphaned young need interaction with their carer to meet their physical and psychological needs during care, this interaction must be reduced as the animal is prepared for release back into the wild.

Wildlife carers must understand the purpose of their work is rehabilitation for release, not creating dependent pets or captives.


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