Tahnee Barnes is studying a Certificate IV in Native Wildlife Veterinary Nursing and is encouraging others to consider a career in the industry. This comes after newly released statistics reveal the number of animals needing care due to car collisions has surged in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic with more cars on the road along the NSW North Coast, which means career opportunities in wildlife rehabilitation are on the rise.

According to the NSW Wildlife Rehabilitation dashboard, in 2015, 15 animal rescues in the Tweed Region were due to car collisions, in 2016, there was 8. 

Since the start of COVID with more people going on road trips along the coast in lieu of international holidays, in 2020 there were 502 native wildlife animals that needed rescuing due to car collisions in Tweed alone. 

Ms Barnes is working to to expand on her knowledge and grow her practical skills to build her conservation organisation, End Extinction International. The not-for-profit organisation aims to educate people on the importance of protecting wildlife in the environment. 

Ms Barnes has a Bachelor of Zoology and has in-depth knowledge of ecology, conservation and anatomy, it was during an internship with the Jane Goodhall Institute that she realised what she was missing is hands-on practical medical skills to help animals in the field in need of help.

“TAFE NSW has taught me so many practical skills and vastly improved my knowledge. The learning and mentoring that the wonderful teachers provide is second-to-none. Their relevant, practical experience and strong industry connections, together with my qualification, have enabled me to progress in my career.”

Studying under the tutelage of TAFE NSW Animal Services teacher, Emma Whitlock, students are getting hands-on exposure to caring for wildlife.

“It is important that students learn the fundamentals of caring for animals in real situations and they get to do that through work placement with the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Upon graduation, TAFE NSW students are job-ready and fully equipped to walk into any animal caring facility to put into practice what they have learnt,” said Mrs Whitlock.

For more information about courses at TAFE NSW or via TAFE Digital, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au