Details of Care:
Biodiversity is about the delicate balance between living things, but unfortunately, human meddling has seriously disrupted the earth's natural systems, which may lead to consequences we can't even begin to imagine.
To try and redress the balance, all around the state there are volunteers, who work round the clock to look after orphaned and injured wildlife. These people quietly dedicate their lives to raising native animals and rehabilitating them back to the wild, which in some cases (wombats) may take up to two years.
Most of orphaned marsupials come from roadkills and shooting expeditions. Birds may come in because they have fallen from nests, been found in the dog/cat's mouth, or have crashed into windows or cars. Very few reptiles come into care, as many are killed out of hand by people who don't realise the vital role these animals play in the ecosystem.
Calls come in from the general public, vets, the RSPCA and Parks & Wildlife Service (P&WS). Most animals need to be cared for under permits and these are issued by the Wildlife Management Branch (DPIPWE).
Wildlife Management Branch (DPIPWE) and P&WS provide a volume of advice on particular animals. Carers have formed their own networks around the state and are beginning to 'get organised'. In busy periods young animals are shifted around the state to spread the load. It is preferable to 'buddy' orphans up with animals of similar age, as they can comfort and teach each other the skills they will need in the wild.
The animals usually come in dehydrated and cold, many found sitting beside their mother's bodies. Others, still at the hairless or 'pinky' stage, are in the pouch and are only discovered if someone stops to check the carcass. Shock and dehydration are the most serious initial problems, closely followed by scouring, which can be caused by the joey being given unsuitable feed or from infections or injuries. A disturbing number of young animals reach carers after about a week of well intentioned but misguided care on behalf of the person who picked up the animal, when the poor thing is seriously malnourished and at the point of dying.
The animal is gently warmed, (except in the cases of reptiles and bats which are best left cold, [torpor], for a while) and re-hydrated. The joeys are weighed and measured. Foot and tail measurements give an indication of age.
A formula and feeding routine are established. Wallaby babies (joeys) are put into cloth pouches, which are hung up to keep the curve of their backs nice and round. Very young animals cannot maintain their own body heat, so they need to be kept on heat pads or in warm incubators or humidicribs.
Over a few days, the young adapt to their new surroundings and become more relaxed. They are bottle fed with special marsupial milk formula designed for particular ages and species. Like all babies, young animals need plenty of sleep and a quiet, stable environment and routine.
At about the weaning stage, the joeys move into pre-release pens, which are large, safe, outside enclosures. Human contact is kept to a minimum to allow the wild instincts to click in. Then, when weight and behaviour indicate the time is right, the gate is opened and the animals can come and go until they settle into the district (soft release).
If possible animals are taken back to their place of origin, to try and maintain genetic integrity. However, in some cases animals are taken and released in other areas, ie if local populations are too heavy. Animals are never released in forestry areas because of the threat of 1080 poisoning and loss of habitat. Animals sometimes do return for 'visits' if soft released, but mostly are never seen again. |
