Native Wildlife

Found an injured wildlife animal?

If you find an injured wildlife animal, you can bring it to the clinic for an examination. Emergency treatment will be provided and often native animals can be re released (usually after a stay with a registered wildlife carer to get them back on track).

As our continuing commitment towards native wildlife, we accept all native wildlife for medical assessment and rehabilitation if possible. All wildlife care is undertaken pro bono, and we rely on you to deliver injured or found wildlife to us. When such an animal is brought to us:

• Details of the finder are recorded, so if future release is possible, we release them in the area they were found.
• Wildlife is then examined by veterinarian, and treatment is undertaken, if necessary.
• If the animal is can be released in the future, it may be placed under the care of a licensed wildlife carer.
• If the animal is found to have injuries or conditions which affect its survival in the wild long term, it will be humanely euthanised.

It is illegal for a member of the public to keep or take care of native wildlife.
For non-native wildlife, it is examined at no cost, if surrendered to the clinic.

If the finder wants to become the owner of the animal, they will incur the appropriate costs. These non-native wildlife animals cannot be rehabilitated by wildlife carers. If they require rest and recuperation, we will hospitalise until they can be released. However, if they sustain any injuries, they will be humanely euthanised.

If the wildlife is found to be a verminous species, it is our legal obligation to humanely euthanise it. This includes foxes and rabbits.