Funded by the WIRES National Grant Program
THE PROJECT
Did you know? Injured, ill or orphaned wildlife require species specific pens that match their rehabilitation phases.
The rehabilitation journey for macropods is challenging as they require large safe penned spaces and shelters/foster carers with these resources are limited. The land space and the cost associated with constructing and maintaining such pens is another burden for wildlife carers.
Rehabilitation pens can be used for a number of purposes. They can provide a safe recovery place for ill and injured adult Eastern Grey kangaroos where a sedated adult kangaroo can recover away from predators. Joey’s have a range of needs (just like children attending creche, kindergarten and prep school.) Pens suited to their different stages of development are required.
A joey initially needs the comfort of a substitute pouch with supportive heat and at this stage the location is often a porta-cot or similar. As the joey stabilises, a buddy or two are introduced to establish a small social group. These joeys are kept together to bond, minimising stress by gaining comfort and company from the same species. The interaction teaches joey’s how to socialise in these mini-mobs; an integral element of their rehabilitation journey.
Eastern Grey kangaroos are very prone to an illness called ‘Myopathy’, a stress induced condition which can be triggered during the ordeal of being injured and rescued. Interaction with humans & domestic animals can add to that stress.
It is important to have skilled Macropod (kangaroo and wallaby) rescuers and a care facility that matches rehabilitation needs & minimises stress.
WIRES
A registered charity, the Wildlife Information, Rescue & Education Service (WIRES) is dedicated to rescuing & caring for sick, injured, and orphaned native animals.
FUNDING
We are grateful to WIRES for their National Grants Program, which has been in place since 2021. In 2024, we applied for a grant focusing on two key program objectives:
- Building capacity & capability for the Australian wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector,
- Improving emergency preparedness & response capabilities to assist wildlife,
We were successful with the grant application to financially underpin a rehabilitation space for Eastern Grey kangaroos (macropods).
So, a Big Thankyou to WIRES for the National Grant Program, as we will now be able to support more Eastern Grey kangaroos, like Trilby (refer below), to reach their forever homes.
Trilby’s story
Trilby is an Eastern Grey Kangaroo who came into care after being rescued by a local farmer.
Trilby enjoying some sunshine. |
Trilby’s young joey takes a peak. |