Support Australian wildlife rescue to release

In June, we received an urgent call about a young, displaced koala who was stranded on a fence line between two properties – both of which had large dogs. Worryingly, WIRES are receiving more and more calls about displaced koalas, as roads and housing developments cut through their remaining habitat.  

We quickly dispatched our Queensland Emergency Responder Amy who, after some patient maneuvering, was able to safely enclose the young koala and gently check him for injuries.  

Luckily, he didn’t appear to have been harmed by the dogs, but was sent for a more thorough assessment to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. When ready he’ll be released into more suitable habitat nearby. 

Strange sounds leads to rescued ducklings 

Last month we received a call from a concerned member of the public. She could see a mother and one duckling on her neighbour's property, but she was also certain she could hear many more ducklings close by. She could also hear a dog barking and was worried he'd scared the ducklings away from their mother. 

Our Wildlife Rescue Office stayed in touch throughout the morning. On the third call the woman had surprising news – she believed the sound was coming from the roof, inside a chimney! WIRES volunteer Helen arrived, and with our Rescue Office organized for the local Fire and Rescue to attend the scene and retrieve the trapped ducklings. The mother and ducklings spent the night with their WIRES volunteer for some rest and recuperation, and were released next to their local river the next morning. 

Water Dragon lucky escape 

Last month a member of the public found a Water Dragon stuck in the lid of her pool filter. Whilst the lid was able to be removed, the lizard appeared to be firmly stuck. She called WIRES and we dispatched our Emergency Responder Holly. 

On arrival, Holly noted that the front half of the Water Dragon was out of the filter, but his bottom half and tail were lodged inside the skimmer box. Holly was able to release him by gently folding his legs into his body and carefully moving one shoulder through at a time. Once free, she gave the lizard a thorough physical examination. Happily there were no signs of dehydration, injuries or damage to the scales.  

With the householder's permission, the Water Dragon was released back into her garden and she discussed with Holly how to prevent native animals from entering and getting stuck in her pool and filter in the future. Thank you for making sure these vital rescues took place.