News & Events

Caring for the sick or injured wildlife

Published on: 12 May 2009

For Bandicoots, Kangaroos, Possums
Ring Lynn on 9524 1127 or Kath on 9524 3060.

For Birds
Ring Merilee on 9419 1584 or 0423 356 325
Leave a message or phone number if there is no answer


SOUTHERN BROWN BANDICOOTS
Brown Bandicoots have coats that are normally speckled brown. They also have a very long, pointy nose and a very fragile tail which doesn’t have rings, like rats tails.

What to do

  1. Don’t hold it by the tail – it will snap off
  2. Pick up the bandicoot in a jumper or towel and gently put it into an escape proof enclosure as they dig and jump.
  3. If it’s a female – check for young, usually 3 or 4 babies. The opening to the pouch is near the tail so the babies easily drop out.
  4. If the babies are alive and the mother is dead leave them in the dead mum and we will remove.
  5. Make sure there are no flies or ants on the mum.
  6. Do not feed the bandicoot!


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    POSSUMS
    Remember that possums can get extremely stressed and scared and will make a lot of loud hissing if they feel threatened.

    What to do
    1. Use very thick gloves or a jumper to handle.
    2. Put into a pet box or other escape proof enclosure as they will try to escape.
    3. Keep quiet and in the dark – do not show them to other people.
    4. If it’s an adult and has no physical injury release the possum.
    5. If it’s a baby, gently wrap it in something very soft.
    6. Keep it quiet, warm and in the dark and call us immediately
    7. Do not feed it.

    KANGAROOS
    If it’s an adult and obviously injured phone the RSPCA or Police Rangers immediately.
    We cannot help an adult roo because of aggression and stress. Remember to be very cautious when approaching as they will be very scared of you and will make a barking sound

    What to do
    1. If the roo has been euthanized check if the gender is female as she could have pouched young or have young by her side.
    2. If so, put your hands inside the pouch and using one hand to hold the joey – push the mother’s tummy and teat gently away from the baby.
    3. Do not pull the baby straight off the mum as you will injure it as they are very fragile.
    4. Gently wrap it in something very soft, keep it quiet, warm and in the dark and get help immediately.
    5. Laundry baskets or an esky are ideal enclosures to keep the Joey in.
    6. Remember these joeys are like premature human babies.
    7. Do not attempt to feed the Joey and make sure it is kept at 27? C by placing Warm water into a bottle, wrapping the bottle in a towel and keeping it close to the Joey
    8. Simply cover the enclosure with a blanket.
    9. It is important to get the animal to help immediately, do no wait or show it off.
    10. Even if it’s a ‘pinky’ (no fur and eyes shut) it can be saved.

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