By: Ann Kunz
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Marine Animal Stranding Network will host the first of three public workshops titled “First Response for Stranded Marine Animals” on Saturday 24 February 2018 at uShaka Sea World Durban. Another two workshops; one in Richards Bay on 11 March and one in Ramsgate on 24th March are also confirmed.
In KwaZulu-Natal there is close collaboration between several organisations such as, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife; uShaka Sea World; the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board; the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife in managing stranded animals.
These organisations have all nominated trained and dedicated staff and volunteers who bring individual areas of expertise and assistance. Working together as a group known as the KZN Marine Animal Stranding Network they are able to ensure that each animal stranded on a KZN beach, is given unsurpassed care.
The KZN Marine Animal Stranding Network cannot operate without the support of individuals and ordinary citizens who frequent the beaches. We therefore invite participants to attend one of the workshops, where they will be taught initial response procedures such as how to assess a stranded animal, what information to collect and who to contact for further support.
Every year an average of 35 marine animals wash up on the shores along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. These animals include whales, dolphins, seals, whale sharks, turtles, penguins, gannets and cormorants.
Date: 24 February 2018
Time: 09h00 – 15h00
Cost: R20 per person (included light lunch)
Parking: At uShaka Marine World for your own cost
Please RSVP to: jennifer.olbers@kznwildlife.com before 19 February 2018 for the Sat 24th February workshop.
