Wildlife Rehabilitation in Tasmania
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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 a wildlife hospital
Private veterinary clinics
Wildlife Parks and Zoos, including Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The Department is currently assisting in the development of a sector-led Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy that will improve community capacity and the longer-term sustainability of the sector.
See: Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy.
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 have specialised needs that are different from 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 providing 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 Management.
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.
A new training course is available: WIRES Introduction to Tasmanian Mammals.
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. These 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:
A permit is required to display injured and orphaned wildlife to the public:
Useful information