Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

Holly and Hugo

Module Exams

Included in course price

What you will learn:

By the end of this course, you’ll come away knowing the fundamentals of wildlife rehabilitation.

• We’ll show you exactly what a wildlife rehabilitator does in their day to day work
• You’ll be able to identify animals in distress and know when to step in
• You’ll learn animal physiology and basic anatomy for a variety of animal classes
• We’ll teach you to assess animals and identify symptoms and causes of distress
• You’ll be able to treat common injuries such as broken limbs and wings
• We’ll prepare you for environmental disasters, such as oil spills or forest fires
• We’ll show you how to safely handle, restrain, transport, and release wildlife
• And you’ll learn what you can do to assist in your community

It’s important to note that this course is not equivalent to professional certification as wildlife rehabilitator, but it’s an excellent place to start if you have a personal interest in this area or are thinking of a career in animal care, zoology, parks and recreation, or veterinary science.

• Is wildlife rehabilitation the right path for you?
• A typical day in the life of a wildlife rehabilitator
• Steps to becoming certified and entering the field
• Knowing when an animal should not be rescued
• What to do after rescuing a wild animal

• Why knowledge of anatomy and physiology is essential
• Basic bird anatomy and physiological systems
• Fundamentals of small mammal anatomy and physiology
• Overview of large mammal biology
• Reptile and amphibian anatomy basics
• Introduction to freshwater wildlife considerations
• Assessing an injured or distressed animal
• Key nutritional requirements and considerations

• Most frequent injuries encountered in wildlife rehabilitation
• Managing fractures in birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
• Care of orphaned wildlife
• Treatment of oiled or contaminated animals
• Common illnesses seen in rehabilitation cases
• Responding effectively in emergency situations

• Differences between handling domestic animals and wildlife
• Preserving natural wild behavior (“keeping wildlife wild”)
• Developing enrichment strategies for rehabilitation patients
• Fieldwork in various habitats and conditions
• Essential equipment, protective gear, vaccines, and preparation
• Determining when an animal is ready for release back into the wild

• The importance of public education in wildlife conservation
• Ways to share knowledge and raise awareness
• Designing educational programs for different audiences
• Examples of outreach initiatives by wildlife rehabilitators
• Volunteering opportunities and career pathways in the field

This course is perfect for you if:

• You love animals and want to do what you can to help
• You are looking for a way to feel more connected with nature
• You’re okay with getting your hands dirty!
• You’re considering a career working in a park or wildlife rehabilitation center
• You want to educate others about interacting with wildlife

All courses are accredited by the International Council for Online Educational Standards (ICOES). After passing any exams and completing a course successfully, students can opt to purchase an ICOES certificate from the third-party institution.

Holly and Hugo is also CPD certified, meaning the courses meet or exceed Continuing Professional Development standards and benchmarks.

Holly and Hugo courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.

• This will be useful in many careers with animals including working in a zoo, wildlife rehabilitation center, animal park or veterinary practice or with a conservation group

• You can educate others about interacting with wild animals

• Certification will will prove to employers that you are serious in your wish to land a job with animals