Chester Zoo, BARTA and ResQuip Partnered for a Specialist Large Animal Rescue Training day. Using specialist rescue equipment developed by ResQuip Ltd, British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) successfully delivered a large animal rescue training day to staff at Chester Zoo.
The practical-based course, focused on crucial water rescue and casualty relocation techniques. Enthusiastically received by the attending team members. The intensive, full-day training session was led by BARTA specialist and Operational Station Manager Mick Titcombe. The session primarily focused on practical, hands-on learning. Key elements included using a mannequin to practice rescue and relocation techniques for large animals and performing scenarios around water hazards.
The training leveraged equipment from ResQuip, supplying strops, strop guides, improvised halters, head carry sheets and rescue glides to complete the zoo’s emergency kit. The attendees included a core group of animal care staff, including specialist staff like Sarah Roffe, Team Manager for Giraffes, and Katie Morrison-Luke from the elephant team. Sarah Roffe commented on the positive impact of the training, how well it was received, and what an informative, hands-on learning day it had been.
Tony Ward, owner of ResQuip, said:
“It is incredibly important to ensure all staff, from keepers to vets, are prepared to handle unexpected emergencies with the most up-to-date techniques and equipment. The development work ResQuip puts into large animal rescue equipment is key for first responders involved in any animal incident or rescue. We look forward to developing further specialist tools with the team at Chester Zoo.”