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Sleeping Koala

Caring for Injured Wildlife

At Raby Bay Veterinary Surgery, we are committed to caring for our native animals. We will happily accept all wildlife for medical assessment, treatment and rehabilitation if possible. We treat wildlife free of charge as a way to give back to the community and our environment.

Wildlife Emergency Contacts

Redlands Wildlife Rescue Service

(07) 3833 4031

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Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

1300 369 652
 

RSPCA Queensland

1300 264 625

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Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland

0488 228 134

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Snake Catchers Brisbane

0413 028 081

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Wildcare Australia

07 5527 2444

How You Can Help Injured
or Orphaned Wildlife

General Rules

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  1. Ensure human safety first! Be aware of surrounding dangers (cars, cliffs etc) and also potential dangers associated with the injured animal (bites, scratches, diseases).

  2. Remember that injured animals are often in shock and even though you may be trying to help them, they will always view humans as a potential threat and may lash out protectively.

  3. Once you are sure the situation is safe, if possible wrap the animal carefully in a towel or clothing and place in a dry, dark box or cage. Transport them immediately to a vet who can then treat and arrange for them to go to a wildlife carer.

If you can’t handle the animal without risk to yourself, others or the animal, try calling one of the emergency wildlife rescue numbers listed above.

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If you collect an injured animal outside of business hours and are unable to find a vet that is open, keep the animal in a warm, dark, secure box away from drafts and pets until you are able to take it to a vet clinic. Do not try to offer the animal any food or water unless instructed to do so by a wildlife carer or vet. Please do not handle wildlife unnecessarily, as the shock from being handled can kill.​

Baby Birds

It is common during spring to find baby birds that have fallen out of the nest.

 

Quite often, the parents will still be looking after the baby. By picking the baby bird up and removing it from the area, you are more likely to break their bond with the parent and reduce their chances of survival.

 

If you find a baby bird on the ground, check it over and take it to a vet if it is injured. If it appears healthy, then try to re-place it somewhere high enough away from predators and in a warm, sheltered area so that it won’t fall again and so the parents can come and feed it. You may even be able to construct a temporary nest for it.

 

For more information on rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds please call Wildcare Australia on 07 5527 2444.

Bats

A small percentage of bats carry a rabies-related virus (Australian Bat Lyssavirus) which can be transmitted to humans through a bite or deep scratch. Only people trained and vaccinated should handle bats.

 

If you find an injured bat, or one that is on the ground or hanging alone by itself during the day, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Contact Bat Conservation & Rescue Queensland or RSPCA for advice immediately.

  • Bat Conservation & Rescue: 0488 228 134

  • RSPCA rescue line: 1300 ANIMAL

 

If you find a bat on the ground please put a container such as a washing basket or cardboard box over it to contain it. Restrain domestic pets and keep children away to minimise stress on the animal.

 

Any bat on its own during the day, especially if on or near the ground, is in trouble. Be humane and seek professional help fast!

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