Emergency contacts
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
Phone: 1300 369 652 Bat Conservation & Rescue Qld
Phone: 0488 228 134 RSPCA Queensland
Phone: 1300 264 625 Snake Catchers Brisbane
Visit website Wildcare Australia
At Daisy Hill Vet Clinic, we have a continuing commitment towards our native animals and happily accept all wildlife for medical assessment, treatment and rehabilitation if possible. This service is provided free of charge as part of our ongoing community service.
What to do if you find injured or abandoned wildlife
Ensure human safety first! Be aware of surrounding dangers (cars, cliffs etc) and also potential dangers associated with the injured animal (bites, scratches, diseases). 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. 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 arrange for them to go to a specialist wildlife carer. If you can’t handle the animal without risk to yourself, others or the animal, call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL. If you collect an injured animal and are unable to immediately take it to a vet clinic, keep the animal in a warm, dark, secure box away from drafts and pets until you are able to take it to a vet. Do not try to offer the animal any food or water unless instructed to do so by a wildlife carer or vet. Do not handle wildlife unnecessarily!! The shock of being handled can injure or even kill them! Please note the Animal Emergency Service at Underwood provides free after hours urgent medical care to wildlife.
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 and 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. Remember to put holes in the bottom of the temporary nest to avoid rain water accumulating inside.
For more information on rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife please visit Wildcare.
Bats
If you find an injured bat, one that is on the ground or hanging alone by itself during the day, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Contact Bat Conservation & Rescue on 0488 228 134 or RSPCA on 1300ANIMAL for advice immediately.
If found 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. A very small percentage of bats carry a rabies-related virus (Australian Bat Lyssavirus) which can only be transmitted to humans through a bite or deep scratch. Only people trained and vaccinated should handle bats. 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! Please note that Hendra Virus can only be contracted from horses. It is still unknown where, how or why horses get Hendra Virus.
