Call of the wild for rescue volunteers

THE tragic sight of roadkill on Tasmanian roads is a grim reminder of the dangers marsupials and their newborns face during the warmer months.

Extra traffic on roads combined with more inexperienced juveniles means spring and summer is a time of carnage for the state’s wildlife. But thanks to a free series of training courses offered by Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, anyone speeding past hurt or injured animals can now help make the roads safer.

Bonorong director Greg Irons said the sanctuary had trained about 18,000 rescuers over the years, with about 1000 actively working to save injured animals. He encouraged everyone to come along and reminded would-be rescuers they wouldn’t necessarily have to face Bear Gryllsconditions when helping wildlife.

“Some people come and do the training not intending to join the rescue team. They just want to know what do in the most common situations like what you do when you find a pademelon in a pouch,” he said.

Mr Irons said about 8000 animals have needed help from rescuers so far this year. “It’s not a huge commitment of time. Rescuing is great for people who don’t have much time.”

Mr Irons said with daylight saving and more baby animals needing help, Tasmania was now reaching its busiest time of year for road carnage.

Bonorong will host its next free rescuer training on October 19 at the University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus. To register visit www.bonorong.com.au/wildlife-rescue-training

HELPING OUT; Isobel Thompson and Kyle Johnson, holding Rhonda the wombat. Both studied a free volunteer animal rescue course at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.