Advancing Animal Welfare

Led by Simon and Sarah from Wild Welfare, the workshop was informative, engaging and highly interactive. Their passion for animal welfare was evident throughout, creating an environment where participants were encouraged to ask questions, share experiences and explore different approaches to animal care.

Over the four days, we completed all eight modules of the Wild Welfare Animal Husbandry Course, covering essential aspects of animal welfare and responsible husbandry. These included animal welfare concepts, record-keeping and planning, modern animal care facilities, animal behaviour, habitat management, enrichment, healthcare, and nutrition.

Each module provided valuable insight into the many interconnected factors that influence an animal's physical and psychological wellbeing. Beyond the course material, the presenters incorporated additional discussions, case studies and practical examples that encouraged us to think critically about the care we provide.

One of the highlights was a presentation exploring different forms of environmental enrichment. It showcased creative and practical ways to encourage natural behaviours, provide mental stimulation and enhance the daily experiences of animals in human care.

The workshop also offered opportunities for hands-on learning. During one practical exercise, we conducted ethograms on Lory Park's rainbow lorikeets, systematically observing and recording their behaviour. This allowed us to apply the principles discussed during the course and better understand how behavioural observations can inform animal welfare assessments and husbandry decisions.

Equally valuable was the opportunity to connect with other animal care professionals. Sharing experiences, discussing challenges and learning how different facilities approach animal welfare provided fresh perspectives and encouraged meaningful conversations about continuous improvement.

Perhaps my most important takeaway was the understanding that improving animal welfare does not always require significant changes or extensive resources. Often, small adjustments to daily routines, husbandry practices or the way we recognise and respond to an individual animal's needs can have a meaningful impact on their overall wellbeing.

I returned from the workshop with renewed enthusiasm, a deeper understanding of animal husbandry and practical ideas that I look forward to incorporating into my work.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to attend and learn from the Wild Welfare team and fellow participants. Experiences such as these reinforce the importance of continued education and the responsibility we share as animal care professionals to continually evaluate, adapt and improve our practices.

At Cango Wildlife, our commitment to animal welfare extends beyond daily care. It includes investing in the knowledge, skills and professional growth of the people entrusted with looking after the animals in our care.