WIRES was established in 1985, when an injured Ibis was found in the heart of Sydney, in Hyde Park. No organisation, government or conservation group could take responsibility for its rescue or care.

Other animal groups, such as the RSPCA, are not equipped to rehabilitate native animals. WIRES quickly established a coordinated network of wildlife carers and rescuers. WIRES now works under a license issued by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

In 1992, over 14,000 rescues were conducted. By June 1997, this grew to 38,000 animal rescues state wide, and in 2009 we rescued more than 75,000 animals in distress.

WIRES also responds to requests for help from businesses, the RSPCA, zoos, government departments, local councils, and the police.

WIRES has developed a comprehensive animal database that records information on types of animals, injuries and fates and locations for rescue and release.

Currently there are more than 2,000 WIRES volunteers authorised to rescue, rehabilitate and release.

Training starts with the compulsory Rescue and Immediate Care Course, covering policies, licensing, animal identification, rescue and first aid. Experts also provide specialist training courses and set standards of care in areas such as macropods, flying foxes, reptiles, birds of prey (raptors), and possums.

Each year WIRES is granted a general licence from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. An authority is then issued to each volunteer member.

WIRES offers an educational service to the community through talks to schools, community groups, and wildlife forums.