What is the role of a wildlife rehabilitator?
Wildlife rehabilitation is a voluntary activity that requires dedication to provide the best outcomes for Tasmania's wildlife.
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 domestic pets. Nutrition, housing and husbandry must be appropriate to the species to help prepare them for life in the wild.
If you would like to be a home-based wildlife rehabilitator this means dedicating your personal time, parts of your home and financial resources to wildlife. This role will not be suited to everyone.
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
Wildlife rehabilitation training
Members of the community who want to start rehabilitating birds and mammals (wallabies, possums etc.) are required to complete training.
The recommended introduction to wildlife rehabilitation training course for mammals is available on the
Wildlife Network Tasmania website.
What are other ways I can I help wildlife?
Become a wildlife rescuer
Become a wildlife rescue volunteer with your local wildlife rescue organisation.
Make pouches or nest boxes
The Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC) links members of the community with wildlife rehabilitators who need assistance.
Wildlife friendly gardens