04 Jan Growth of Auzzie’s Raptor Rehabilitation
Auzzie’s Raptor Rehabilitation Association (ARRA) began 2020 as a blank canvas, with the need for rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing birds of prey exploding vividly from the easel. Demands to rescue birds injured by cars, birds made sick with secondary poisoning, volunteers wishing to help but with no experience; it appeared that they all knew that we were aiming to improve the outcome for these birds of prey by establishing the association. Thank goodness Wildlife Heroes could see ARRA’s need to support the birds of prey with assistance to purchase small equipment to assist the raptors in their transition to health.
The WABOPC realized the need for the licencing of the rehabilitation work that we proposed and supported the association in our bid for registration. Plans were made for a basic raptor handling course, where ARRA volunteers were encouraged to enrol and then places were opened to other wildlife carers, which expanded the network ARRA of raptor lovers. From Chittering, WA to as far away as Monarto Zoo in South Australia and we already have 8 on a list for when the courses re-commences next year; as well as a full course booked with one Wildlife sanctuary! Alex was excited when he unveiled portable scales on the information day for the volunteers;
Riley took his time opening the box with the microscope much to the delight of his two daughters. Other small equipment was unboxed that have been put to use in the avian hospital as well as protective gear for the volunteers and equipment to reduce the fuel load around the aviaries protecting the birds from fire.
Most of our members volunteer for other wildlife sanctuaries, however they all had fun at the Basic Handling Course and all said it was the best experience ever and can’t wait until we get the Advanced and Emergency Courses established. We have a vet from Animal Happiness committed to running these courses once a month commencing in the new year which we are all excited about.