Helping sick and injured wildlife
We help hundreds of injured and/or orphaned native wildlife each year. Most people are unsure what to do if they find sick or injured wildlife, sometimes the most genuine attempts by the public to care for Wildlife can be the major contributing factor in their failing health.
Wildlife needs to be taken to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for medical treatment and emergency first aid. The veterinarian will assess the animal and pass it onto a wildlife carer for rehabilitation. Wildlife carers are licensed to care for native wildlife and undergo intensive training to ensure they can give the animal the specialized around the clock care it needs. Enabling rehabilitation which will hopefully lead to its release back into the wild.
Too often we see possums, birds and other native animals brought into the clinic after they have been with a member of the public for several days, where despite their best intentions, the animal has declined into a critical state.
Children love helping animals and as parents it is important to teach them that looking after native wildlife at home is unsuitable and it needs to be taken to a vet clinic for treatment as soon as possible.
Steps you can take on the way to the vet
- Keep the animal in a safe dark place (remember air holes)
- Keep as quiet as possible (remember to turn off the car radio)
- Keep domestic pets away
- Do not handle unnecessarily (the shock from being handled can kill)
- If you find sick, injured or orphaned wildlife out of clinic hours, please call Wildlife Victoria on 13 000 94535.
You can also report a wildlife emergency through their website at www.wildlifevictoria.org.au
If you would like to become a wildlife rescuer or carer visit the Wildlife Victoria website to find out more information. www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/volunteer
Remember it is illegal to keep native wildlife without a license and offenders can face large fines and prosecution.