Animal Welfare e-Learning Course Showcased at WARN Asia Conference
Wild Welfare, a leading global animal welfare organisation, recently contributed to the successful Wild Animal Rescue Network (WARN) 2024 Asia conference, hosted by Free the Bears in the beautiful city of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.
The conference saw over 60 dedicated animal professionals and conservationists come together from across 10 different Asian countries, to discuss and share their latest developments in animal welfare, wildlife rescue and conservation. The overarching theme of this year’s event was “Successful partnerships leading to positive outcomes for wildlife”.
During the conference, Sarah Bonser-Blake, Wild Welfare’s Animal Welfare Field Manager, took to the stage to present about animal care and animal welfare. Sarah later hosted an hour-long workshop showcasing the NGOs collaborative work with The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE) at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. The session gave participants an opportunity to become familiar with Wild Welfare’s groundbreaking e-learning programme, “Wild About Welfare”, including the programme layout and how it works. This innovative online course up-skills animal care staff worldwide, with the knowledge and know-how necessary to improve the care and welfare of animals in captivity.
The flagship programme addresses a need to bridge critical knowledge gaps within the animal care sector. By offering accessible and engaging online modules, this free-to-access course equips users by exploring animal care principles and husbandry practices; steering caregivers to make informed decisions that positively impact the lives of animals in their charge.
“There was lots of enthusiasm regarding e-learning. Some of the organisations present were already using it, and others were keen to introduce the course to their teams.”
User numbers of the resource are continuing to quickly grow, in-part thanks to the organisation’s active outreach and ongoing promotional activities.
WARN Asia Conference 2024 presented by Free The Bears
During her presentation, Sarah explained how the online format makes this popular programme accessible to individuals and organisations worldwide. Learners across five different languages, including English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia and Thai, can progress through the interactive course at their own pace, making it easy to fit learning around busy schedules at zoos, aquariums, rescue centres or sanctuaries.
The event also offered conference goers a great opportunity to connect with like minded individuals from relevant regional organisations. One such activity included a treasure hunt trail around Luang Prabang. This unique experience allowed participants to network and socialise while exploring the city aboard tuk-tuks!
A great variety of inspiring talks and collaborative discussions were held across the three days, including engaging topics regarding quality of life assessments, and tackling the issues surrounding wildlife crime, conflict and rescue.
“I was inspired by many of the talks, and learned a lot about issues I was less familiar with, such as the specifics of human / wildlife interactions across cities like Singapore”
Wild Welfare’s participation in the conference underscored the organisation’s dedication to improving animal welfare standards globally. By sharing best practices and innovative approaches, Wild Welfare was thrilled to have such a great opportunity to contribute to the overall success of this event and to inspire attendees to take positive action for welfare within their own work.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org
Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the world’s leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.
Our vision is to end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world and ensure full and sustainable protection is given to all animals in human care. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).
