During an oil spill, the response to oiled wildlife is a highly publicized and scrutinized activity. When oil threatens wildlife, there is high public and media interest due to the high intrinsic value and vulnerability of the natural environment and wildlife within. The effectiveness and speed of an oiled wildlife response can significantly influence media coverage and the overall public perception of the impacts of a spill and the effectiveness of a spill response. Wild base, Massey University, New Zealand and the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California at Davis, USA, have teamed up to write and deliver the world's first University-led on-line and face to face oiled wildlife response training courses (OWRT) for the international market. World leaders in higher education and oiled wildlife research, Massey University and UC Davis are the only two universities in the world with comprehensive oiled wildlife readiness and response teams. The OWRT courses on offer allow for multiple pathways to be undertaken to meet specific organisational oiled wildlife response needs from training entry-level personnel in rehabilitation, field operations or facility development, to team leaders in planning and preparation and managers of an oiled wildlife response. Theoretical courses are delivered online utilizing modern and interactive technology, with face-to-face delivery of practical skills. Courses have been developed using internationally recognised good practice standards, based on intended learning outcomes, ensuring specific skills necessary for key roles in a comprehensive readiness program. Having trained and in-house oiled wildlife response staff expands your organisations response and readiness capabilities. When the world is watching, speed is critical to both protect wildlife and to foster a positive public perception. www.owrt.org
Public education: 12 years on
