Wildlife Rehabilitation in Tasmania

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Tasmania​n 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 rehabilita​tion 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​​.​​

Mental health support

​Wildlife rehabilitation is a rewarding but emotionally demanding responsibility.  The Department encourages wildlife rehabilitators to look after their mental health by utilising support services.

Black Dog Institute have recently expanded their National Emergency Worker Support Service​ (NEWSS) to include wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators.  The service provides free and confidential mental health support.  This service is a free and confidential mental health support service.  The service includes a quick and confidential mental health check as well as tailored and trauma informed support and resources developed by leading mental health specialists.  Available resources include Digital Resources, Mental Health Check, Clinical Sessions (only available for registered rescuers and carers) and Information on developing strategies​.

​Additional resources and support including courses, self-care resources, podcasts, webinars and journals can be found through Two Green Threads.

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

If you wish to renew your existing permit for rehabiltiation of wildlife, please use the form below:
  Application to Continue Wildlife Rehabilitation

To register as a wildlife rehabilitator please use the form below:
  Wildlife Rehabilitation Registration Form
  Wildlife Rehabilitation Application - Soft Release

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

A record form is required to be regularly completed by all permit holders:

  ​Rehabilitation Record Form

Useful information

Contact

Wildlife Services

GPO Box 44,
HOBART, TAS, 7001.