I've Come Across an Injured Native Animal - Who Do I Contact?

WIRES.

Wires is the largest wildlife rescue service in Australia, with 30 branches spread throughout NSW, with approximately 2000 volunteer carers rescuing sick and injured animals.

Rescuing rare, native Australian wildlife such as the red tailed cockatoo or endangered species such as our flying foxes are only a couple of the worthwhile occurrences voluntary wildlife carers gets to experience.

There is an acute shortage of volunteers and foster families to nurse wild animals back to health so they could be returned to the wild. A record number of animals are being injured on roads, attacked by domestic animals or being entangled in litter.

WIRES is always on the lookout for more volunteers to take part in the group’s rescue and immediate care course is a great way for young and old alike to get involved (foster carers must be over 18 years of age).

WIRES holds a two day training course (throughout NSW at our 30 branches) provides members of the public with skills in animal identification, caring for orphaned animals, preparing animal diets, monitoring animal health, capturing, restraining and transporting injured animals and the effective release of rehabilitated animals.

Once members of the public have successfully completed the course they are issued with a licence by WIRES to rescue and care for wildlife. All new members are buddied up with a more experienced carer who can offer you advice and encouragement.

The role of a carer can be demanding. Most carers start by looking after small birds and can later undertake specialised training in the care of mammals, reptiles and raptors.

WIRES believes the protection of wild animals is a community responsibility.  Everything we do, no matter how large or small, affects the well-being of our wildlife, and all too often the animals come off second best.

WIRES would like to promote our Rescue and Immediate Care courses throughout Councils across NSW. We provide a free community service to people that need us – however we need to find volunteers to help us with our work.  

The contact for further information on courses or services available in the Far South East NSW Branch is Lesley Revell on 02 64926226.  Or you can log onto the Wires Website www.wires.org.au

© 2008 Wakool Shire Council
This page: http://wakool.local-e.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/40988.html