Experience with saving native animals that have been “deliberately harmed” in cruel and unthinkable ways, has added to a Sunshine Coast zoo’s determination to add crimefighter to its list of wildlife protection roles.
Crime Stoppers Queensland is taking action against illegal wildlife trafficking, warning the trade is pushing some native species to extinction and earning criminal networks around $30 billion globally each year.
It’s an issue that’s included in the mission of Australia Zoo’s wildlife conservation and protection initiatives.
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“The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has admitted patients who were intentionally harmed in the wild, from a possum shot with an air rifle pellet, to a brush-turkey covered in spray paint, and magpies poisoned with a chemical substance,” Terri Irwin, of Australia Zoo, said.
“We must do more to inform and educate, so that our beautiful wildlife can thrive in their natural habitat, where they belong.”
Ms Irwin’s comments come as wildlife crime has been identified as one of the largest threats to Australia’s most endangered species. It is big business on the black market and has become a major trans-national organised crime activity, alongside trafficking in drugs, weapons, and human beings.
As a strategy to counter the problem, Crime Stoppers has developed Australia’s first Wildlife Crime and the Law teaching resource – now available for Queensland students from Years 7-10.
“Our nation’s exotic reptiles, amphibians and birds are highly prized and command big prices on the black market here and overseas,” Crime Stoppers Queensland State Manager Renae Long said.
“During transportation, these animals are often bound by tape and packed into small containers for anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days.
“By the time they arrive overseas, animals have often suffered from dehydration and a lack of oxygen, while some sadly die during the journey.”
“Everyone can play a critical role when it comes to the fight against wildlife crime … Our latest teachers’ resource actively engages our next generation so they understand what they can do to help stop wildlife crime.”
What’s educational resources are available?
In addition to more than 45 different links to videos, websites, apps and worksheets, the Wildlife Crime and the Law theme pack offers flexible lesson ideas that cover:
• Biosecurity and wildlife crime
• Wildlife, biosecurity and the law
• Wildlife crime in Australia
• Break the Chain campaign
• Reporting wildlife crime
Teachers can access the resource through Scootle, a digital repository of teacher resources as well as on the Crime Stoppers Australia website.
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