Found injured wildlife and not sure what to do?

 

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The following are general rules for dealing with sick or injured wildlife:

 

• Only handle sick wildlife when safe to do so and you are comfortable to do so. Be careful when handling them to avoid injuring the animal or yourself. When injured they may bite or scratch when feeling stressed and scared. Simply place a towel or blanket over the animal and put it in a secure box for transport. Keep the animal warm, quiet, in the dark and away from children, domestic animals and noise.

• Take it to your nearest Vet as soon as possible. When you bring an injured animal to Cheltenham Veterinary Clinic, we will perform an examination to determine the animal’s medical status and determine the best course of action including any treatment and placement with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. There are government regulations relating to the care and protection of injured wildlife which we abide by in all circumstances including the management of declared pest species.

• Do not give sick, injured or orphaned wildlife anything to eat or drink unless advised by your veterinarian.

• Do not attempt to care for any injured wildlife yourself. All wildlife must be dealt with by either veterinarians, wildlife shelters or licenced foster carers. It is illegal to possess and treat wildlife in Australia without the appropriate certification and permits.

• Record exactly where you found the injured animal. In almost all cases if the animal is rehabilitated and deemed fit for release it will be released as close to possible as to where it was found. This increases its chances of survival.

• Always consider if the animal really needs to be rescued before you try to offer assistance. This is particularly so for many young birds.

• Always check the pouch of dead marsupials (e.g. kangaroos, possums) live young babies.

 

If you are unable to take the animal to a veterinary clinic then contact one of the following organisations who provide care for wildlife around Bayside and Kingston Councils:

 

South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter

Ph.: (03) 9503 9872
Mobile: 0411 600 591

www.sows.org.au

The largest shelter in the Melbourne Metropolitan area. All across the city and the south eastern suburbs.

 

Australian Animal Rescue
Ph: 0430 883 083
www.australiananimalrescue.org.au
A rescue organisation based in Cranbourne, Victoria.

 

Wildlife Victoria
Ph: 1300 094 535
www.wildlifevictoria.org.au
Wildlife rescue group operating 24 hours, 7 days a week Victoria wide.

 

RACV Wildlife
Ph: 13 11 11
RACV Wildlife Connect is a central 24-hour telephone service for any Victorian motorist who hits or encounters injured wildlife on the road.

 

Whale and Dolphin Rescues
Ph: 1300 136 017
A hotline regarding whale and dolphin strandings, entanglements and injuries.