Native animals need specialised care and food. If you find an orphaned, sick or injured animal and a experienced carer cannot collect it straight away, you can follow these guidelines for short periods.
Please note: Native animals are prone to stress and being kept in the wrong conditions will eventually lead to death. An Eastern Grey Kangaroo for example is a particularly nervous animal and keeping one around domestic pets, ie: cats and dogs, and also small children, could make the animal very sick very quickly. Native animals can also be hard to handle. For example, a baby wombat can be quite destructive and will think nothing of chewing your carpet to pieces, pushing its way through closed doors and biting your ankles and legs. An adult wombat is an aggresive animal and will attack intruders. A cute male kangaroo joey will also grow to be a strong and aggressive adult who is an expert at "boxing", and you will lose the fight!
However, I believe that you are the first point of care and your actions will make a difference to the life or death of an animal. In these pages you will find information on how to care for a native animal for short periods. I have included information regarding proper diet with the hope that you will be responsible and become a licensed carer, seek appropriate training or pass the animal on as soon as possible.
Many native animals can an be dehydrated when coming into care. Giving an electrolyte mixture from dropper will re-hydrate the animal and give it more energy. Electrolyte fluids such as Lectate or Vitrate can be purchased at most veterinary hospitals. Alternatively you can offer a mixture of water and glucose (sugar or Glucodine). The ratio of water / glucose is 1 teaspoon of glucose to 1 cup of tepid (not cold, not hot) water. Drip the solution on to the side of the mouth only - never force the water into the animals mouth as water may enter the lungs.
Any involvement in caring for wildlife is done entirely at your own risk.