Protecting our Wonderful Wildlife

Spring is here and with it myriad of spring babies from our wonderful wildlife!

Unfortunately this time of year is very busy for us and the amazing wildlife carers as many baby animals become displaced, sick or injured.

Each species has it's own unique requirements, this means that what we would do when we find a baby possum, isn't the same thing we need to do when we find a baby magpie and so on.

The Wildlife Victoria website is some fantastic information on their website. Most of it is downloadable, printable and very user friendly.

Here is the link to go and check it out.

FAST FACTS

1. If you find a baby bird that has fallen from a nest, PLEASE leave it be! If there are cats or dogs in the yard, please get a small bucket, gently place the baby inside and hang it in the tree. This will give the parents a chance to feed the baby and eventually move it back to the nest. If you bring it to the vet, the chances of reuniting it with it's parents is minimal.

2. If you find a baby bird that has failed from a nest and it appears injured, please bring it straight to the clinic so we can examine it. If no treatment is required, you will be asked to return it to where it was found .

3. If you find baby ducks wandering the streets, please leave them be! Nine times out of ten the mother duck is near by and their home is not far away either. If they are trying to cross the road, it may be helpful (if safe to do so) to try to alert other drivers to their presence.

4. If you find a baby possum, please keep it warm and bring it to the clinic as quickly as possible The best way to keep it warm is by putting it in a beanie or similar pouch shaped item and tucking it in your bra or shirt.

5. If you find a dead or injured adult possum, please immediately check for a pouch and a baby. If the mother is alive or still warm, the baby can remain in the pouch until you can get them both to the vet (as quickly as possible.) If the mother is dead or already cold, please remove the baby, put it in a beanie or other pouched shaped item and keep it warm on your body.

6. Please DO NOT attempt to feed wildlife.

7. Please bring all sick or injured wildlife to your closest vet, you will not be charged for their treatment.