Rehabilitate Wallabies & Other Native Wildlife

A Wombat's Tail

In May this year Sydney Wildlife Rescue (SWR) was asked if we would help a group of carers from another wildlife organisation, as they had four very tiny wombats that had come into care in the space of two nights. These baby wombats (joeys) had been rescued from the pouches of mothers hit by cars and killed. The carers already had other various sized joeys in care so reached out for help with their growing numbers. When marsupials such as these are still furless, they often take a lot of time to feed. They need to be fed every 2-3 hours and their skin needs a ‘grease up’ (with Gold Cross Pure Lanolin) to keep it moist. It's a huge time commitment.

One of our very experienced SWR volunteers was able to help and took on a small female wombat, just 170 grams, which we called Nugget ( small, precious and chunky). Nugget’s eyes were still closed and her body was completely pink, so she was placed into a small humidicrib to maintain constant temperature. It was fascinating to watch her having dreams, with funny little movements and kicks. We believe this is the way they keep the blood flowing to all parts of their body when so small.

Having a joey that tiny meant she had to be with her carer at all times. This included travelling with the carer if they had to leave the house for more than a few hours, as it was vital not to miss a feed time. Whether her carer was doing volunteer work at Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s rehabilitation facility or a day in our Mobile Care Unit the top priority was that Nugget was fed on time. She even went away on an anniversary holiday her carer had planned with her husband. Because the animals in our care take so much time out of our day and night, our volunteers are so thankful for supportive and understanding families.

While SWR volunteers are very busy doing rescues in the Sydney area, we also help other wildlife organisations when they are overrun with rescues, and they do the same for us. Looking after so many animals, sometimes for years before they are able to be released, is very expensive so we are extremely grateful for your donations.

Nugget is very healthy and strong now as you can see in the photos.

Beachgoers and dog-walkers wandered past this poor girl on the beach for 2 days, assuming she was dead. But luckily someone decided to contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue and 2 of our best snake-trained rescuers attended.

Just like any other animal, sea snakes need our assistance when they are injured or sick. They can often appear deceased when they have washed up onto the sand, but can still be very much alive!
This yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus) turned out to be an expectant Mum! Whilst palpating her, Dr Izi felt a multitude of lumps and decided to ultrasound her. Everyone was delighted to see 5 gorgeous little babies on the screen! We even saw their tiny heartbeats!

Blood tests also revealed that she had sustained muscle trauma. The combination of rib fractures and muscle trauma suggested possible boat-strike.
She was in rehabilitation for many weeks, getting stronger every day and then she birthed her exquisite youngsters! All 5 neonates and Mum have since been released into open water.

If you do happen to find a sea snake lying on the sand, please DO NOT throw it back into the water!
A beached sea snake requires URGENT assistance from a wildlife rescue organisation and - as they are venomous - must ONLY be handled by trained and licensed personnel.
Sea snakes, like land snakes, breath air via an elongated lung. Their bodies, however, are much more adapted to marine life - they are laterally compressed (flattened on both sides) their tails are paddle-shaped, their nostrils are valve-like and their belly scales are significantly reduced.

People are often surprised to learn that sea snakes drink fresh water. Biologists have discovered that they keep hydrated by drinking ‘lenses’ of fresh water that form on the surface of the sea after rain.

Treating sea snakes can be tricky but our volunteer vets have the appropriate equipment and medication to begin a treatment plan. They are also in contact with the right personnel to offer guidance.

www.sydneywildlife.org.au