Improper rescue can hurt and distress the animal and also the rescuer. This is why WIRES trains all its volunteers.  Caution is required when handling many species of wildlife. If you live in New South Wales, call WIRES on 13 000 WIRES or 13 00 094 737.

Wild animals are not used to being handled and are very susceptible to stress. If handled improperly, they are likely to struggle and hurt themselves even more. It is crucial to take care with the rescue of any native animal, and to reduce the animal's stress as much as possible.

Step 1

Remove any threat to the animal. This may mean locking up cats and dogs until the animal is rescued by a licensed rescuer.

Step 2

Contain the animal or bird.

Step 3

Minimise stress by placing a towel or blanket over the animal, then gently place in a box. Put the box in a warm, quiet, dark room and DO NOT DISTURB. The stress associated with human contact can result in death. Please keep both children and domestic pets well away from the animal.

Step 4

Do not give the bird or animal food or water.

Step 5

Seek advice. If you live in New South Wales, call WIRES on 13 000 WIRES or 13 00 094 737.

WIRES will give you advice on what to do until a trained WIRES rescuer comes to take the animal to a vet or WIRES carer. The carer will look after the animal until it is ready to be returned to the wild.

  
In circumstances where you cannot get in touch with WIRES you can contact your local parks and wildlife service or take the animal to your local vet. For details on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups in other states a full database can be found at Fauna Search.

For general advice in a bushfire crisis, please read our factsheet.

Please remember: It is against the law to keep native animals taken from the wild. They must be passed on to an authorised carer with a licensed  wildlife rescue organisation.