Numerous wildlife capture and handling education programs currently exist, covering a wide array of areas. These can include, but are not limited to training for:
Various organizations also offer education in animal care and handling that is geared toward the handling of wildlife in specialized areas, such as biomedical research, animal control or wildlife management. Aspects of such training are overseen and/or influenced by government regulations pertaining to wildlife. Certification and non-certification courses in the care and handling of wildlife provide a good foundation for those interested or working in this area of study.
Among the duties commonly performed by those who work with wildlife are those of safe capture and immobilization. Such activities may need to be undertaken for a variety of reasons, including relocation, medical care, research, conservation efforts and many others. Generally speaking, there are two modalities of capture and immobilization, these being physical and chemical. Physical capture typically involves various devices that are used to capture and/or restrain wildlife, such as traps, nets, etc.
In cases where physical restraint devices are impractical, unsafe or will cause undue stress in animals, chemical immobilization techniques are used. There are different approaches to administering drugs in chemical restraint procedures: oral, hand-held injection, pole syringe and darts. In cooperative animals, hand-held injections or the pole-syringed administration are usually the delivery routes of choice.1 This is more often the case in a zoo setting or with smaller animals in the wild. If an animal is large, dangerous or uncooperative, remote delivery systems using blow darts, gunpowder explosive darts or compressed gas projectors are the most suitable choices.
Many different classes of compounds, including anesthetics, analgesics, sedatives and tranquilizers are used to immobilize wild animals. In the U.S., most of these compounds are regulated by federal law. One of these regulations, the FDA's Controlled Substances Act of 1970, restricts the use and distribution of some of the more potent drugs, such as opioids.1
As an adjunct among the more specialized training programs associated with wildlife care and handling, chemical immobilization workshops are offered by organizations that provide training in these areas. Today, in-person (classroom) courses, webinars and online courses addressing the chemical immobilization of wildlife are provided by universities, zoos and private organizations.
Some of the topics typically covered in chemical immobilization workshops include:
Chemical immobilization training provided by reputable organizations provides comprehensive, up-to-date instruction on the chemical immobilization of animals, presented in a manner that is applicable to most experience levels. In most cases, the instructors are veterinarians and biologists who specialize in the chemical immobilization of wildlife.
Interested in learning more about safe capture? The San Diego Zoo now offers courses in safe capture techniques and best practices. Learn reliable, safe, and effective techniques for the species you work with and the scenarios you encounter!