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Sick, injured and orphaned native animals in Pittwater
The sick, injured and orphaned native animals of the Pittwater area are rescued and rehabilitated by two key volunteer organisations- Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services Inc (Sydney Wildlife) and WIRES.
Both organisations are licensed by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned native animals, and to educate the community about the need to protect our native animals and to preserve their habitats. These organisations are registered charities and operated entirely by volunteers. They offer a 24-hours, 7-days rescue and advice service.
What should I do if I find an injured native animal?
Injured animals are very susceptible to stress, so they have to be handled carefully. To reduce the animal's stress as much as possible, please follow these 5 simple steps -
- CHECK FOR DANGER - to yourself, others and the animal. If you are driving, pull over safely to the side of the road. Approach the animal cautiously, especially if it is a reptile. An injured animal is scared and in pain and may react by attempting to bite or injure you. If the animal is dead, try to drag it as far of the road as possible. If it is alive try to divert the traffic around it, DO NOT put yourself in any danger doing this.
- Note the exact location the animal was found – most animals are territorial and must be released back at the rescue site.
- Place the animal in a dark container such as a cardboard box with ventilation holes and towels on the bottom. Orphan marsupials (pouch young) such as kangaroos, wallabies and possums should be placed in a pillow case or clean sock and placed inside your clothing to provide warmth.
- Keep the animal quiet and undisturbed.
- Call one of the wildlife carers listed below under contacts. You can alternatively take the animal to your nearest vet (there will be no charge). It is illegal to keep native animals taken from the wild - they must be passed on to an authorised, licensed wildlife carer.
DO NOT...
- Apply bandages in an attempt to stop bleeding (in most cases this will stop on its own).
- Feed the animal or offer water as native animals have very specialised diets, plus feeding an animal suffering from shock could be fatal. Seek advice from the Taronga Wildlife Hospital or wildlife carer if there will be a delay in getting the animal to a vet or carer.
- Handle the animal more than necessary, or pat or talk to the animal.
And please keep the animal away from children, domestic pets and loud noises.
If you find any of the following DO NOT handle or attempt to rescue it. Get assistance from one of the organisations listed below.
- Flying Fox
- Bat
- Snake
Where to get help
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9413 4300 |
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13 000 WIRES (13 000 94737) |
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9969 2777 |
Updated: 05 Dec 2011