Rehabilitate Wallabies & Other Native Wildlife

A Wombat's Tail

In May this year Sydney Wildlife Rescue (SWR) was asked if we would help a group of carers from another wildlife organisation, as they had four very tiny wombats that had come into care in the space of two nights. These baby wombats (joeys) had been rescued from the pouches of mothers hit by cars and killed. The carers already had other various sized joeys in care so reached out for help with their growing numbers. When marsupials such as these are still furless, they often take a lot of time to feed. They need to be fed every 2-3 hours and their skin needs a ‘grease up’ (with Gold Cross Pure Lanolin) to keep it moist. It's a huge time commitment.

One of our very experienced SWR volunteers was able to help and took on a small female wombat, just 170 grams, which we called Nugget ( small, precious and chunky). Nugget’s eyes were still closed and her body was completely pink, so she was placed into a small humidicrib to maintain constant temperature. It was fascinating to watch her having dreams, with funny little movements and kicks. We believe this is the way they keep the blood flowing to all parts of their body when so small.

Having a joey that tiny meant she had to be with her carer at all times. This included travelling with the carer if they had to leave the house for more than a few hours, as it was vital not to miss a feed time. Whether her carer was doing volunteer work at Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s rehabilitation facility or a day in our Mobile Care Unit the top priority was that Nugget was fed on time. She even went away on an anniversary holiday her carer had planned with her husband. Because the animals in our care take so much time out of our day and night, our volunteers are so thankful for supportive and understanding families.

While SWR volunteers are very busy doing rescues in the Sydney area, we also help other wildlife organisations when they are overrun with rescues, and they do the same for us. Looking after so many animals, sometimes for years before they are able to be released, is very expensive so we are extremely grateful for your donations.

Nugget is very healthy and strong now as you can see in the photos.