The Tasmanian Government supports a sustainable, capable and well-connected wildlife rehabilitation sector.
This page contains key information, resources and initiatives to support wildlife rehabilitators, including sector guidance, resources and the co-designed Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy.
Wildlife rehabilitation sector in Tasmania
NRE Tas is one of many stakeholders involved in wildlife rehabilitation in Tasmania.
The wildlife rehabilitation sector in Tasmania consists of:
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups
Individual home-based wildlife rehabilitators
Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Services (WIRES)
Wildlife Network Tasmania (WNT)
Specialist central wildlife rehabilitation facilities, including wildlife hospitals
Private veterinary clinics
Wildlife Parks and Zoos, including Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The role of NRE Tas in wildlife rehabilitation sector
NRE Tas is the regulator of the wildlife rehabilitation sector and leads emergency responses.
NRE Tas supports public involvement in the conservation and management of Tasmania's wildlife and recognises the important role the community plays in wildlife rehabilitation.
Information about permits to rehabilitate wildlife is available on the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits webpage.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan
NRE Tas initiated the development of a Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy in April 2021, in response to calls from the sector to address a range of issues.
An inaugural Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan was co-designed with the sector.
Tasmanian Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan (PDF 6Mb)
The Strategy and Action Plan continues to be a guiding document for key organisations to identify strategic ways to support the wildlife rehabilitation sector in Tasmania.
Resources for wildlife rehabilitators
Wildlife Network Tasmania is the wildlife rehabilitation sectors peak body. The Tasmanian Government provides funding support to Wildlife Network Tasmania to lead the implementation of key priorities identified in the Strategy and Action Plan.
Wildlife Network Tasmania has a range of resources available on their website, including a Code of Conduct for the sector.
The Code is endorsed by NRE Tas, who are working collaboratively with Wildlife Network Tasmania to promote a positive culture in the sector.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has a resource to assist wildlife rehabilitators to plan for emergencies, such as bushfires. See their Emergency Evacuation Kit.