WIRES founding members - Wayne Jeffs, Mickla Lewis, Valeria Thurlow, Jeff Angel, Michael Kennedy

On the 27th of March 2026, WIRES hosted an event at Bradley's Head with the five founding members to celebrate 40 years of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy — marking decades of compassion in action for Australia’s native animals.

Founded in 1985, WIRES was built on one guiding principle - heart. Their deep love for Australia’s wildlife and the foresight to recognise that increasing urbanisation, habitat loss and environmental pressures would create growing challenges for native species.

WIRES Co-founder Mikla Lewis who continues to rescue as a volunteer reflected on how the rescue of an injured ibis in Hyde Park has brought awareness of Australia’s native wildlife around the globe.

“It’s hard to believe that some forty years ago there was no organisation in NSW to assist wildlife in distress,” said Lewis. “What began as an idea to address an obvious need, was taken up by a small, dedicated group of people. At first only Sydney-based, it grew rapidly into a statewide organisation. I am immensely proud that WIRES is now a household name throughout Australia. “

From those humble beginnings, WIRES has grown into Australia’s largest wildlife rescue charity dedicated solely to native animals, improving welfare outcomes for more than two million native animals.

WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor said the anniversary is both a celebration of the past and a call to action for the future.

“WIRES was built on heart, on compassion, courage and extraordinary foresight from our founders,” Ms Taylor said. “They understood early that Australia’s wildlife would need organised, community-driven support. What they created has evolved into a national movement powered by volunteers and sustained by people who care deeply about our native animals.”

WIRES’ growth has never been about expansion for its own sake — it has been driven by need. Over the past decade, rescue activity has increased significantly as wildlife faces escalating threats from climate-driven disasters, disease, habitat fragmentation and human impact. WIRES now provides 24/7 rescue support, 365 days a year, coordinating thousands of volunteers and investing in advanced systems to improve response times and animal outcomes.

“Every statistic represents an animal in distress,” Ms Taylor said. “The rising demand reflects both the urgency of the challenges facing wildlife and the trust communities place in WIRES to respond.”

At the centre of every rescue is a concerned member of the public.

From the first phone call reporting an injured bird or orphaned joey, the rescue journey begins with compassion. Over forty years, WIRES has facilitated millions of connections — linking callers to carers, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, local councils, emergency services and landholders.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the community,” Ms Taylor said. “Wildlife rescue begins with someone choosing to act.”

WIRES is sustained by donors and partners who believe Australia’s wildlife deserves protection.

The wildlife sector is not underpinned by ongoing government funding but relies on the generosity of individuals, families, corporate partners and philanthropic supporters. Their contributions fund food and formula, vet support, training programs, rescue supplies, specialist facilities, sector-wide grants and 24/7 call handling.

Following the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires, WIRES expanded its national role significantly — becoming one of the largest independent funders of wildlife rehabilitation and recovery programs across Australia.

Wayne Jeffs, Mickla Lewis, Valeria Thurlow, Jeff Angel, Michael Kennedy met up on the 27th March 2026 to celebrate 40 years of WIRES.

Today, WIRES is among the largest independent investors in Australia’s wildlife rehabilitation sector, supporting frontline rescue groups, conservation research and habitat restoration initiatives nationwide.

But Ms Taylor said the responsibility cannot rest on one charitable organisation alone.

“The next forty years will require deeper collaboration between community, corporate partners, researchers and government,” she said. “If we are to secure a future for our native species, we must work together, with urgency, innovation and heart.”

As environmental pressures intensify, WIRES remains committed to supporting volunteers, strengthening rescue capability, expanding training and veterinary support, investing in technology and building resilience across the wildlife sector.

Forty years on, the founding spirit of WIRES endures - compassion in action, powered by community, and united by a shared love for Australia’s unique wildlife.