Support Australian wildlife rescue to release

Over the past few months heavy rains and flooding continued to cause distress to people and wildlife along Australia's east coast. Many burrow animals took refuge in garages to find temporary shelter after being forced out of their burrows. Additionally, we saw more cases of waterlogged and exhausted birds. Our Wildlife Rescue teams are in the midst of a busy spring season, responding to hundreds of urgent calls every single day. These are a few of those rescue stories.

Just in time for Green Sea Turtle 

A Green Sea Turtle had a very lucky escape last month after being spotted beached, and being attacked by birds. After spotting the distressed turtle, a member of public attempted to carry it back to the ocean, but it kept swimming in circles and returning to the sand where the birds would attack it. Not knowing what to do, she called WIRES who sent out our Emergency Responder who was able to transport the turtle to specialist marine veterinary care. Worryingly the turtle has a soft shell, which may be symptom of malnourishment. Marine rescuers are noting that extreme rain events are washing sediment from rivers and creeks into coastal areas, which in turn is smothering seagrass beds, a vital food source for turtles.The turtle is still undergoing treatment and will hopefully re-gain his health, for a return to the wild. 

Orphaned brushtail possum rescued from school yard 

Last month we received a call from a busy primary school in Sydney after they discovered a young possum, wedged under a planter box in the school yard. There were no parents to be found and it was extremely difficult for the teachers to reach the possum, so a WIRES Emergency Responder was dispatched.  

Our Emergency Responder was able to contain the possum and noted it was bright and alert but very dehydrated. Its tongue was also quite pale. She provided a small amount of oral hydration, secured the possum in a warm pouch and transported it to a local vets for medical attention. After given the all-clear, the possum was picked up by a WIRES carer and is now being rehabilitated for eventual release into suitable habitat. 

Second chance for two brave flood survivors 

In April, two little bare-nosed wombat survivors were rescued from horrendous floods. One was found clinging to a chicken hutch, the other was desperately swimming. Both were very young but had become separated from their mothers, who couldn’t be found.  

Luckily both were rescued by the property owner and have been in care with one of our experienced wombat carers, Penelope. They are now around 18 months old, weigh over 16kg each and will soon be ready for release. 

Thank you for the vital role you play in helping us rescue and care for these survivors. We are very grateful for your support.