Fauna Rescue Whitsundays

​Call our hotline:
4947 3389
For help with injured or orphaned wildlife
Wecome to Fauna Rescue Whitsundays!  We are a non-profit, voluntary group who care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. We provide a 24 hour wildlife hotline service; give informative talks to schools and other interested community organisations; and we encourage the valuable participation of community members in all our activities.
QUICK GUIDE TO RESCUE
If you find an injured animal, remember that it is wild – probably suffering from shock and with possible injuries – minimal handling is a must to avoid additional stress. Call our hotline 
  • Put your safety first, a frightened animal could scratch or bite. If on a road, beware of traffic danger.
  • Be prepared when you approach any animal. Take a sheet with you, even if the animal doesn’t appear to be able to move. It may suddenly get up or you may need to quickly grab a joey. The GOLDEN RULE for most animals is to cover the head as quickly as possible. This will generally calm them down.
  • Always check dead marsupials for joeys. If the joey is furless do not forcibly remove it from the mother’s teat as this will cause further injury, take the deceased adult with the baby still in the pouch to the vet or wildlife carer. If the joey is not attached to the mother, wrap it in a pillowcase or cloth, and keep it warm. 
  • Check surrounding bushland for joeys. Macropods can have joeys of different ages. One may have left the pouch on impact and could be hiding closeby while a smaller one is still in the pouch.
  • Assess for injuries and determine species.  If is a frog, do not handle it with your hands as chemicals on your skin can harm it.  If it is a BAT, do not touch or handle it – phone us and we will contact a vaccinated person (for Lyssavirus) to come to the rescue.
  • If safe to do so, clear any carcasses from roadways to avoid injuries to other wildlife such as birds of prey.
  • Don’t attempt to feed or give a drink to an injured animal until their injuries have been assessed.
  • Turn off your car radio/stereo when transporting an animal.
  • Provide warmth and security. Minimal handling is a must. Try to keep the animal covered, particularly their eyes, this will reduce stress. Small animals can be placed in a dark box or bag and kept quiet. Large animals can be covered with a sheet. Snakes and lizards can be put in a pillowcase and tied at the top. (Do not handle reptiles unless you have had proper training). 
  • Note where the animal was found so that they may be returned to their home after treatment.
  • Remember how you feel when you are sick or are injured.Most of us only want medical attention, warmth, rest and quiet.
QUICK GUIDE TO HOW YOU CAN HELP

Want to get involved?

  • Join up!  We welcome anybody who wishes to help – even in a non-active capacity!
  • Become a carer - Be hands on! Carer members are always needed. Caring for our native wildlife  can be very rewarding and educational.  All new carers will receive training and support to learn the various knowledge and skills to be able to provide suitable care to various species. 
  • Not able to care? You can still give us a hand! 
  • Fundraising or marketing
  • Construction of caring facilities
  • Speaking at schools or events, or facilitate workshops
  • Man the hotline from home or diverted to your mobile
  • Help with admin or the newsletter
  • Sewing pouches
  • Become a site for release (see more info for criteria)
  • Suitable release sites are always needed. Release sites need to offer suitable habitat, adequate range and territory, sufficient natural food sources, water and shelter.  
  • Donate! All monetary donations over $2 to the FRW Public Fund are tax deductible and very appreciated.
  • Donate items cages, aviaries, material for aviaries, first aid supplies, stationary, animal food, towels, pillowcases, sheets, star pickets/fencing wire, shade cloth, baby baths.
"Being a volunteer for Fauna Rescue is the most fulfilling experience.  We've met some great people and we really feel that we're doing something positive for our local wildlife."
OUR SERVICE AREA
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