What to do if you find a sick, injured or orphaned animal
Contact the Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program on 6165 4305 (business hours) or Bonorong Wildlife Rescue 0447 264 625 (all hours).
Please note: Bonorong Wildlife Rescue is a privately run, volunteer-based rescue service operating Tasmania-wide.These four steps will increase the chances of successful release back into the wild:
- Keep the animal warm, dark and quiet
- Do not feed it anything, as often this can do more harm than good
- Keep handling to a minimum
- Keep away from people and domestic animals
It is in the best interests of the animal for it to be looked after by an experienced wildlife rehabilitator with experience, skills, capacity and appropriate facilities to rehabilitate it for release back into the wild. If you would like to become a wildlife rehabilitator, please contact the Wildlife Management Branch.
Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program
The Department works in with rescue groups, wildlife parks and zoos, veterinarians and members of the community who assist in the rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife through the Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program.
The Program provides advice and support to the network of registered wildlife rehabilitators across the state. The Program encompasses many voluntary roles, including full-time rehabilitation, emergency care, provision of release sites and transport of wildlife.
The Department supports public involvement in the conservation and management of Tasmania's wildlife, and recognises the important role the community plays in wildlife rehabilitation.
The aim of wildlife rehabilitation
The aim of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide temporary care to enable wildlife to be released back into the wild. Wildlife undergoing rehabilitation have specialised needs that are different from domestic pets. Nutrition, housing and husbandry must be appropriate to the species and adequately prepare them for life in the wild.
Legislation
The Department has responsibility for implementing legislation that relates to wildlife rehabilitation. The following legislation governs the activities of wildlife rehabilitators in Tasmania:
Permits are required to possess most wildlife for the purposes of rehabilitation.
Permit for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (290Kb)
Review of the Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program
A review of the Department's Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program is currently underway, and the Department is working with stakeholders to review the Program and identify opportunities to improve the current arrangements.
The Department has developed a draft Best Practice Guidelines for Wildlife
Rehabilitation which are available for public consultation from 29 October until 10 December 2020.
Want to be a wildlife rehabilitator?
Wildlife rehabilitation is a voluntary activity that requires dedication to providing the best outcomes for Tasmania's wildlife.What are the benefits of being a wildlife rehabilitator?
- Contributing to the conservation and management of native wildlife
- Opportunities to learn new skills
- Being part of a supportive network of like-minded individuals
- Rewarding experiences of releasing animals back to the wild
What are the basic tasks?
- Building and maintaining indoor and outdoor enclosures that mimic the natural environment
- Cleaning and sanitising enclosures and equipment
- Sourcing native food
- Pouch-making (for marsupials)
- Bottle feeding and toileting (for marsupials)
- Arranging and covering the cost of veterinary care as needed
- Administering veterinary prescribed treatments
- Record-keeping
- Community education
- Keeping knowledge and skills up to date
If you would like to learn more about becoming a wildlife rehabilitator please contact the Wildlife Management Branch.
Wildlife rehabilitation training
Courses suitable for beginners are offered from time to time.
Please contact the Wildlife Management Branch or Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for more information.
How can I help?