The Tasmanian Government works closely with community groups to support the care and management of injured and orphaned wildlife across the State.
In any given year, up to 2,000 animals can be placed by the injured and orphaned wildlife rehabilitation sector in Tasmania, which includes wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups, specialist wildlife rehabilitation facilities, wildlife parks and zoos, and individual wildlife rehabilitators.
In a significant step forward for the sector, Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) is now coordinating the placement of injured and orphaned wildlife in Tasmania 24/7, with support from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment and the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
WIRES already successfully undertakes similar work on the mainland and is establishing a local presence in Tasmania to help care for our iconic native wildlife.
The Government welcomes this community led approach and recognises the important role our community plays in wildlife rehabilitation.
This is why we have also allocated $460,000 in the 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget towards care and services for injured and orphaned wildlife across the State and to assist the sector build its capacity and become sustainable over the longer term.
These funds will support needs such as the development and implementation of a community led Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy - a first for Tasmania.
Work is already well underway in developing the Strategy with a sector survey completed and targeted workshops being held around the state.
It is intended that a draft Strategy be released for public consultation in November.
WIRES Chief Executive Leanne Taylor says WIRES is committed to providing long term support for the rehabilitation sector and the unique wildlife in Tasmania.
“The funding we received from the bushfires has given WIRES the opportunity to assist wildlife volunteers in Tasmania and identify new native animal initiatives alongside Bonorong and DPIPWE,” Ms Taylor said.
The Bonorong 24/7 wildlife rescue service is supported by an incredible army of volunteers and provides a vital first response for the thousands of phone calls received every year for wildlife in need.
“It is important that there is an effective system for placing these rescued animals and Bonorong acknowledges DPIPWE and WIRES for collaborating on these new arrangements,’’ Director Greg Irons said.
More information about the Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy can be found on the DPIPWE website: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/caring-for-wildlife/injured-and-orphaned-wildlife/wildlife-rehabilitation-sector-strategy
Information on how to report injured and orphaned wildlife can be found here:https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/caring-for-wildlife/injured-and-orphaned-wildlife or ring Bonorong Wildlife Rescue on 0447 264 625 (all hours).
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