What to do if you find an injured native animal or bird?
Basic rescue information to assist injured native animals.
Firstly, remember the animal may be in shock, or in pain. Approach the animal as quietly as possible. Keep all domestic animals away from the area.
Do not attempt to handle snakes, flying foxes, microbats, koalas, kangaroos or wallabies as they may inflict injury. For these species, call ANARRA to request a trained and equipped volunteer to rescue the animal.
For all other species, if there is no danger to yourself, pick up the animal by gently placing a towel or blanket over it making sure you cover the head, wrap the towel/blanket around the animal and place it into a box with the towel/ blanket. Make sure the box has ventilation holes.
Close the lid of the box, and place it securely into your car (not in the boot).
If immediate assistance is not available, keep the box in a warm, dark place and keep noise to a minimum to avoid stress. Injured wildlife can die very quickly as a result of stress.
Do not give the animal food or water, as this may be fatal for animals in shock.
Take the animal to your closest vet or contact your local wildlife rescue organisation as soon as possible. Vet clinics and rescue organisations do not charge to accept wildlife.
Remember some animals do not require rescuing.
Some fledgling birds may spend time on the ground learning to fly with the parents looking on. Unless a bird is in immediate danger, keep an eye on it to ensure a parent returns to care for the juvenile.
Removing a baby bird unnecessarily from its parents can be very detrimental to its well-being. Many baby birds can be re-united with their parents by making a fake nest out of an old plant pot or basket, and hanging in a tree near where the bird was found.
If in doubt contact your local wildlife organisation for advice.
If you find a deceased female kangaroo, wallaby, possum or koala, make sure you check the pouch – joeys have been known to survive in the mother’s pouch following her death for several days. If a joey is present, do not remove it from the mother’s teat as severe damage can be done to the joey’s mouth if removed from the teat incorrectly. If possible take the mother and joey intact to your nearest vet for attention or alternatively call ANARRA or one of the other wildlife rescue groups for assistance.
Donation
You can make a difference
Rescuing and caring for wildlife is costly and ongoing. ANARRA employs no staff. All our members volunteer their time and resources to rescuing and caring for wildlife. Your donation will contribute to the costs of food, rescue and rehabilitation equipment and medical supplies and is greatly appreciated.
Please, send your donation to
ANARRA Public Fund – BSB 064416 – Account number 10596693
Include your name as the reference and email anarrawildlife@gmail.com if you would like a receipt for tax deduction.
How to help
Have You found an injured native animal?
Each species is different and might need specific way to be rescued. If you are not trained, please do not touch the animal and contact us directly by phone or email. You can find all ways to contact us in our contacts section.
Call us
07 5484 9111
email us