Becoming a Carer

Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services

Thank you for your interest in joining Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services. We are a non-profit organisation operating under license from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Our goals are native animal rescue and rehabilitation, community education and habitat preservation in the Sydney area. Our members share a common goal of caring for wildlife. Each member must complete a two day basic training course prior to joining. On completion of the course you will be issued with an annually renewable authority to rescue and foster care birds, adult possums and lizards. Further training is available for those wishing to care for other species.

Members must be over 18 years of age and are required to be available for animal rescues when possible and to care for wildlife in their own homes. They are expected to meet the costs of travel and animal food/equipment and to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per annum working in our rescue office at Lane Cove National Park.

The Basic Training Course includes course notes, a bird identification book, bird care manual, rescue basket and emergency pack. This course is specifically designed for people wishing to become members of Sydney Wildlife and to actively rescue and care for native animals. It is not a general education course and is not suitable for those intending to work professionally with animals or who are seeking a prerequisite for entry into another course.

Prior to enrolling, please think carefully. Wildlife rescue is not for everyone. While it can be extremely rewarding, it can also be time consuming and sometimes distressing. Rescuers need to have access to a car for rescues. They need to be able to handle animals and to accept that in many cases the animals they encounter may die or have to be euthanased. If you are uncertain, please call one of our many volunteers at the office for a more detailed discussion. If, however, you believe you have what it takes then the same volunteers will gladly send you an application form.

The basic training courses for 2008 will be held on:

*       May 3rd and 4th

*       August 2nd and 3rd

*       November 1st and 2nd

Once the basic training course has been completed other specialised courses are available. They include:

*       Vet student’s course.  May 17th and 18th

*       Possum course.   June 15th / November 15th

*       Flying Fox course.   September 7th

*       Reptile course.   November 16th

All courses are held at Warners Park Hall, Northbridge.  Please ring the office on 9413-4300 to place a booking.