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WILDLIFE 911

Got a wildlife emergency? In New Brunswick, the Atlantic Wildlife Institute’s new first-response network is there to help

Barry Rothfuss, founder of the Atlantic Wildlife Institute, has been active in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in New Brunswick for the past 16 years, with a focus on identifying environmental health issues. His latest project is a regional first-response network to manage wildlife emergencies. The network will also gather information on patterns in wildlife emergencies. Here, Barry talks about his pioneering project and its goals.

How does your first-responder program work?
The Wildlife Response Network will address regional issues of distressed wildlife more effectively. Thousands of animals are displaced by human encroachment on habitats and migratory pathways every year in Atlantic Canada. So, for the past four years, we’ve been developing a response protocol to train experienced animal handlers in our region. The responders are volunteers of the Atlantic Wildlife Institute’s Wildlife Response Network in their community. They will advise the general public on distressed wildlife issues and are trained to document all aspects of a distressed wildlife incident. Ideally, when the network is fully functional, it will provide a region-wide network to assist and document in all types of wildlife rescue scenarios.

What’s the model for your program?
Our initial model parallels that used in responding to larger events like natural disasters. You need a sustained pool of trained people who are competent in the husbandry and handling of indigenous wildlife, regardless of whether the situation involves multiple animals or individuals. To have an adequate response capability for catastrophic events, there must be people and resources available on a continual basis. Building this network is a way to prepare for any outcome.

Do people need special skills to participate?
Our program teaches animal-handling specialists the risks and benefits of first responses to wildlife in distress. While these individuals may have theoretical knowledge, they may not be equipped to respond directly to emergencies. Initially, we’re targeting places and people with some degree of specialized knowledge, such as vet clinics, nature parks, naturalists, zoos, wildlife biologists, animal shelters, rangers and wildlife technicians.

How are you funding the work?
Our overall funding comes from individual contributions and private foundations, including the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and the Sir James Dunn Foundation. TD Friends of the Environment is funding training-program delivery. Long term, we’ll sustain the network with general fundraising, private grants and ongoing membership fees associated with inclusion as certified wildlife responders and supporters of the network.

What are your long-term goals for the network?
We have five main objectives. We want to provide an effective response capability to regional communities. We want to document real-time issues affecting wildlife populations. We also want to minimize harmful human interactions with wildlife. And we want to broaden awareness of the close links between wildlife emergency response and public health. Lastly, we want to increase the quality of care given to wildlife.

For more information on the Atlantic Wildllife Centre, visit atlanticwildlife.ca. To nominate a local hero in your community, write to us at editorial@cwf-fcf.org or complete the form below:

To nominate a local hero in your community, complete this online form (below).

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