Found injured wildlife?

Emergency Advice

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For NSW wildlife rescue call WIRES on 1300 094 737.

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DO NOT approach snakes, monitor lizards (goannas), bats (flying-foxes or microbats), large macropods (kangaroos or wallabies) or raptors (eagles, falcons or hawks).

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These animals require specialist handling and MUST be rescued by trained wildlife rescuers. 

All wildlife that is sick or injured needs to be assessed by a vet before coming into care.

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It is critical to get sick and injured wildlife vet treatment as quickly as possible.

Most vets will take wildlife free of charge. If you can, please call the vet to let them know you are coming. Not all vets handle all species of wildlife but they will help wherever possible. 

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When reporting rescues to WIRES and vets please confirm the EXACT location where the animal was found.  

Many young animals can possibly be reunited with their parents, if we know the exact location the animal was found.

Many native animals are also very territorial and it is critical that we release them where they were found, when they are ready to release, to ensure their best chance of survival. 

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1) If you have found a sick, injured or orphaned animal, remove any threat to the animal.  

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This includes keeping all people and pets away from the native animal, to minimise stress to the animal for vet transport or until a rescuer arrives.  

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2) If it is safe to do so, please contain the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place.

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For example, gently wrap the animal in a towel and place it in a ventilated box with a lid and transport it carefully to the nearest vet or wait for the rescuer to arrive.

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3) Do not give the animal any food or water, unless instructed to by a vet or WIRES. 

Please remember: It is against the law to keep native animals taken from the wild. They must be passed on to an authorised carer with a licensed wildlife rescue organisation.