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).

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 Tasmanian Mammals.

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 Guidelines 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.

Best Practice Guidelines for Wildlife Rehabilitation (873Kb)