Injured or orphaned wildlife
What to do
If you find an injured or orphaned native animal, call a wildlife rescue organization straight away:
- Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) – 1300 094 737
- Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services (Sydney Wildlife) – 9413 4300
Or if you are nearby you may take the native animal to Taronga Zoo Wildlife Clinic – 9978 4785 – or your local vet if the animal is injured.
- WIRES: What to do with an injured animal – animal first aid
includes Special Emergency Advice for injured or entangled flying foxes or bats, and snakes
- Handle the animal as little as possible to minimize stress.
- Remove any threat to the animal. Keep cats and dogs away.
- Place a towel or blanket over the animal and gently place it in a box (cover the top) if it is safe to do so. Put the box in a warm, quiet, dark room.
Volunteers from wildlife organizations are specially trained to look after various native animals including birds and reptiles. They will look after the animal until it is ready to be returned to the wild. It is against the law to keep native animals taken from the wild.
Helping with animal rescue efforts
If you would like to volunteer as an animal rescuer, carer or give time or money to a wildlife rescue organization visit:
