Many more animals could be saved if people learnt to act quickly. If you find wildlife in need of assistance, take immediate action. Your help could make the difference between life and death.

If you find a dead Marsupial ...

STOP! Check the pouch! It’s easier than you think. There is no danger!

Step 1. Determine the sex of the dead adult. Male Marsupials have large, prominent scrotums - so this step is easy!

Step 2. If it’s female, you’ll find her pouch on her lower abdomen. Look inside for a joey!

Step 3. Remove the joey gently.

Step 4. Warm, Dark, Quiet
Wrap the joey snugly, just like mum’s pouch, and place inside a safe basket or box. Do not use any other form of restraint. Keep it warm. Young joeys are unable to maintain body heat, and must be kept at an ambient temperature of 28°C. Keep it quiet - no children, pets, television or music nearby.

Step 5. PICK UP THE PHONE
Telephone your State wildlife rescue network (see list below) and one of the operators will put you in touch with your nearest wildlife carer. Joeys may not survive long without expert care. So please, do not delay calling, even for a few hours.

If you find sick or injured wildlife ...

Take care. Humans look, sound and smell like predators. A sick animal may see you as a threat, and panic. If the animal is too large to capture, call us. But please, keep watch from a distance until we arrive - many animals, no matter how injured, can disappear into the bush without a trace. If the animal is small, approach slowly, and use a thick blanket to gather it gently and place it in a cardboard box or similar container. Do not use any other form of restraint. Keep it warm, dark and quiet. Offer water, but no food (in case of shock or potential need for anaesthetic).

Pick up the phone. The faster injuries and illnesses are treated, the more likely the animal will be able to return to the wild. See below for numbers for your State wildlife rescue network.

Note: If for some reason you are unable to contact your local network, please take the animal to the nearest Veterinary Clinic. There, they will help you and the animal, free of charge.