A spike in the number of animals needing care in NSW has led to an increaseddemand for wildlife carers across the state.

In data released by NSW Wildlife Rehabilitation, in 2014 there were 72,663animal rescues, with this number increasing year-on-year and in 2020 in jumped64 per cent to 113,029 due to a rise in domestic tourism and bushfires.

Emma Mayne, who graduated from a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at TAFENSW and secured employment at AHR Vets, is encouraging others to consider acareer in the industry.

“TAFE NSW has taught me so many practical skills and vastly improved myknowledge. The learning and mentoring that the wonderful teachers provide issecond-to-none. Their relevant, practical experience and strong industryconnections, together with my qualification, have enabled me to progress in mycareer.”

Mayne said she sees all sorts of animals come through emergency including petsand native wildlife.

“Just recently I’ve helped to treat kangaroos, tawny frogmouths, echidnas, andkookaburras. The passionate teachers at TAFE NSW prepared me for being on thejob because they all have a long history of industry experience.”

Emma Whitlock, Animal Services teacher at TAFE NSW, said students receivehands-on exposure on caring for wildlife.

“It is important that students learn the fundamentals of caring for animals inreal situations. Upon graduation, TAFE NSW students are job-ready and fullyequipped to walk into any animal institution to put into practice what theyhave learnt.”

Tagged: NSW TAFE, Wildlife carers

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