On Saturday April 13 the staff of the Discovery Centre embarked on a road trip to Narooma to train as whale rescuers with ORRCA  (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia). 

The training included a morning of theory on marine mammal identification and rescue which we all found very informative and all managed to learn new things.

The afternoon held a more hands-on look at marine mammal rescue. First with a visit to Australia Rock in Narooma to spy on some fur seals which were able to be identified by the participants as NZ fur seals based on their snout profile and whisker length  These seals were not in need of any rescue, they were quite fat and happy. We did take some time to learn how to monitor their respiratory and heart rates.

Then it was time to focus on the cetaceans so we headed down to the beach with our inflatable dolphins in tow. Here we were able to practice cetacean triage and how to get them onto a mat for moving and rehabilitation. Our inflatable dolphins were more than happy to be rescued and we even made a sand whale to better represent the weight. It was a fun afternoon with everyone passing the course with flying colours.

ORRCA is  the most experienced and successful whale rescue organisation in Australia.

They are also involved with the protection and welfare of seals, sea lions, dolphins and dugongs. Every year ORRCA volunteers spend many hours protecting hauled out seals and monitoring other marine mammals. We also work with Government Authorities and other groups with marine mammal rehabilitation and release. ORRCA’s input is also sought when legislative bodies are amending existing laws or introducing new ones.

Visit the ORRCA website if you would like to find out more or to attend a training workshop.