CONTENTS
WILDLIFE RELATED
- What do I do if I find injured wildlife?
- What do I do if I hit a wallaby or kangaroo while driving?
- Can I handle flying-foxes or bats?
- What do I do if I find a baby bird?
ABOUT THE SANCTUARY
- What animals do you accept into care?
- How do I become a wildlife carer?
- What kind of donated items do you accept?
WILDLIFE RELATED
Darwin Wildlife Sanctuary is here for our native wildlife. If you come across injured or orphaned animals, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help ensure these precious creatures receive the care they need.
It's critically important to reach out to professional wildlife services for care, like Darwin Wildlife Sanctuary, when you encounter injured or orphaned wildlife. While it might have seemed cute and endearing, keeping the animal without the proper expertise can put its life at serious risk. Handling wildlife without specialised knowledge can be fatal for the animal. They have very specific needs and require expert care to survive and recover. Your well-meaning intentions can unintentionally cause more harm than good. Please, if you find injured or orphaned wildlife, contact DWS immediately. We have the training and resources to provide the best chance of survival.
It's critically important to reach out to professional wildlife services for care, like Darwin Wildlife Sanctuary, when you encounter injured or orphaned wildlife. While it might have seemed cute and endearing, keeping the animal without the proper expertise can put its life at serious risk. Handling wildlife without specialised knowledge can be fatal for the animal. They have very specific needs and require expert care to survive and recover. Your well-meaning intentions can unintentionally cause more harm than good. Please, if you find injured or orphaned wildlife, contact DWS immediately. We have the training and resources to provide the best chance of survival.
Note: if you ever come across an injured, sick or deceased sea turtle in the Darwin area you must contact Wildlife operations on 0401 115 702, it is illegal in the NT to interfere with one, even when deceased.
What do I do if I hit a wallaby or kangaroo while driving?
Stop and check its pouch (or nearby) for a joey
Can I handle flying-foxes or bats?
If you come across an injured or orphaned bat, please don't touch it. All bats can potentially carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus, so only people vaccinated against the disease can handle bats. If you are scratched or bitten by a bat, seek medical advice immediately.
Bats are beautiful but remember that all bats may be carrying the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is virus belonging to the same group of viruses as rabies. It is easy to stay safe. ABLV is only transmitted from bats to people via bite or scratch from an infected bat. Never touch bats.
If you see a bat in an unusual place, or if it seems in distress, call your local wildlife rescue organisation. Their trained members are vaccinated against ABLV and will handle the bats safely. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Bats are beautiful but remember that all bats may be carrying the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is virus belonging to the same group of viruses as rabies. It is easy to stay safe. ABLV is only transmitted from bats to people via bite or scratch from an infected bat. Never touch bats.
If you see a bat in an unusual place, or if it seems in distress, call your local wildlife rescue organisation. Their trained members are vaccinated against ABLV and will handle the bats safely. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What do I do if I find a baby bird?
If they don't have ants on them and have both eyes open and clear the best thing you can do is pop it back up in the nearest tree or shrub. If you are unsure of what to do give us a call for advice anytime.
ABOUT THE SANCTUARY
What animals do you accept into care?
Only native wildlife.
How do I become a wildlife carer?
ABC
What kind of donated items do you accept?
ABC
