Rehabilitate Wallabies & Other Native Wildlife

Sadly, disaster has struck our wonderful Rehabilitation Facility!

Early one morning when checking the surveillance cameras at the facility, I was shocked to see that there was a fox in our wallaby area!! We have never had this happen since we started the facility back in 2013. It was our worst nightmare.

The emergency call went out to our volunteer community and our closest member was there with in 10 mins, closely followed by two others. By the time they had arrived there was no fox to be found but the damage was already done. Five of our beautiful hand raised wallabies were attacked and killed by the fox.

Some of these wallabies came into care as furless joeys with their eyes closed and had been lovingly raised by Sydney Wildlife Rescue Volunteers. For the first few months, the volunteers were feeding them 2 hourly around the clock and now, around 18months later, some were nearly ready for release. Sadly, this will now never happen.

Our first priority was to find out how the fox managed to enter the facility so we could ensure the remaining animals were safe from a return fox visit. We located the area of fencing where the fox entered and repaired it. As all the fences in the facility are ageing and have been repaired numerous times over the years, the decision was made to replace the entire fence line to ensure the animals safety. We never want to have this happen again.

To replace all our fencing with fox proof fencing, it will be a very expensive job. Your donations will go such a long way to help save and protect our wildlife.

Important Reminder: Wildlife Assistance After Fires 

In the wake of the fire on the Northern Beaches, we want to remind everyone of the vital number to call if you encounter fire-affected wildlife in need of assistance: Sydney Wildlife Rescue are available to help.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue 9413 4300 

Controlled burns are conducted in a manner which minimises risks to wildlife and their habitats. However, if fire jumps containment lines,as it did with this fire, the priority shifts. Wildlife will flee haphazardly in distress, often ending up on properties nearby.

What to Look Out For:

• Nocturnal animals out during daylight hours 

• Wildlife seeking refuge under houses, verandahs, sheds and carports

• Young animals found alone, without parents

• Tree-dwelling animals coming down to ground 

How to Spot Wildlife in Distress:

• Animals that appear to be limping, bleeding, or showing signs of distress such as struggling to move or hiding in unusual places.

• Wildlife displaying unusual behaviour, such as disorientation, repeated vocalisations or not fleeing when approached.

• Animals near roadways that seem dazed or are unable to move; this is especially concerning for young animals.

Please exercise tolerance if wild animals seek temporary sanctuary on your property, and remember to keep your pets indoors to allow these animals safe passage. Here are some easy ways to assist fire-affected wildlife:

1. Provide Fresh Water:

Leave out clean water in low, stable vessels that won't tip over. Metal bowls can get too hot, so opt for ceramic or terracotta instead. Add pebbles or branches in the water for small animals - like gliders - to climb out, as they can easily drown.

2. Provide Shelter:

You can create temporary shelters using boxes or unused PVC piping with openings for animals to enter, making sure they have an escape route. Nesting boxes in trees will help arboreal species such as possums and gliders.

3. Check Under Vehicles:

Before starting your car - especially if it’s been parked outside - check underneath for animals seeking shelter.

4. Keep Pets Away:

Wildlife will be disorientated and terrified and their distress will intensify in the presence of predators. Please ensure that you keep pets inside if a wild animal is seeking refuge on your property. Keeping pets leashed whilst walking will also prevent unpleasant pet-wildlife interactions.

5. Drive slowly:

Fleeing wildlife will be bolting onto roads and into suburban areas with which they are not familiar. Your reaction time to avoid collision will be affected by your speed.

Residents can play a crucial role in supporting injured wildlife during and after fires. If you see anything unusual, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

For more information, visit: www.sydneywildlife.org.au