Wildlife Rehabilitation in Tasmania

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Tasmanian Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector in Tasmania

The Department supports public involvement in the conservation and management of Tasmania's wildlife, and recognises the important role the community plays in wildlife rehabilitation.​

The wildlife rehabilitation sector in Tasmania consists of:

  • Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups 

  • Individual wildlife rehabilitators 

  • Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Services (WIRES)

  • The Tasmanian Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (TWRC) 

  • Specialist wildlife rehabilitation facilities, including wildlife hospitals

  • Private veterinary clinics

  • Wildlife Parks and Zoos, including Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

The Department has worked with the community to develop a sector-led Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy​. that will improve community capacity and the long term sustainability of the sector. 


The Aim of Wildlife Rehabilitation 

​The aim of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide temporary care to enable wildlife to be released back into the wild. Wildlife undergoing rehabilitation has specialised needs that are different from those of domestic pets. Nutrition, housing and husbandry must be appropriate to the species and adequately prepare them for life in the wild.​​​


Do You Want to be a Wildlife Rehabilitator?

Wildlife rehabilitation is a voluntary activity that requires dedication to provide the best outcomes for Tasmania's wildlife.​

What are the benefits of being a wildlife rehabilitator?

  • Contributing to the conservation and management of native wildlife

  • Opportunities to learn new skills ​

  • Being part of a supportive network of like-minded individuals

  • Rewarding experiences of releasing animals back to the wild

What are the basic tasks?

  • Building and maintaining indoor and outdoor enclosures that mimic the natural environment

  • Cleaning and sanitising enclosures and equipment

  • Sourcing native food

  • Pouch-making (for marsupials)

  • Bottle feeding and toileting (for marsupials)

  • Arranging and covering the cost of veterinary care as needed

  • Administering veterinary prescribed treatments

  • Record-keeping

  • Community education

  • Keeping knowledge and skills up to date

If you would like to learn more about becoming a wildlife rehabilitator please contact Wildlife Services (details at the bottom of this page).


Orphaned pademelons​

Wildlife Rehabilitation Training

Members of the community who want to start rehabilitating mammals (wallabies, possums etc.) are required to complete training before registering with the Department. 

The recommended ​training course is available at​: WIRES Introduction to Tasm​anian Mamma​ls​​.


Best Practice Guideline​​s for Wildlife Rehabilitation

The Department has developed Best Practice Guidelines for Wildlife Rehabilitation in consultation with the wildlife rehabilitation sector in Tasmania. The Guidelines offer a contemporary approach to wildlife rehabilitation and reflect the sector’s current expectations of best practice.​​

​​Legislation

The Department has responsibility for implementing legislation that relates to wildlife rehabilitation.

The following legislation governs wildlife rehabilitation activities in Tasmania:

Permits​​

Permits are required to possess most wildlife for the purposes of rehabilitation:

  Permit for Rehabilitation of Wildlife   (290Kb)​

  Wildlife Rehabilitation Registration Form   (296Kb)​

 Wildlife Rehabilitation Application - Soft Release (PDF 240Kb)​

A permit is required to show injured and orphaned wildlife to the public:

 Wildlife Display Permit (PDF 443Kb)​


Useful information

Contact

Wildlife Services
GPO Box 44
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6165 4305
Email: Wildlife.Services@nre.tas.gov.au