About Orphan Native Animal Rear and Release Association Incorp.

Sew a couple of ribbons to a pillowcase about 15 cm from the top.  Fold it up and put it in a plastic bag to keep it clean.  Add a pair of disposable gloves, a hand towel and a small pair of sharp scissors.  

'Joey' refers to any baby native animal raised in a pouch - regardless of species.  Ensure the mother has passed away.  Use the scissors to cut the teat a couple of centimeters from the joey's mouth.  It is as thin as a straw, and the mother cannot feel it as she has passed away.   Wrap the joey in the towel and put it in the pillowcase. Push the safety pin through the teat and if you can, pin it to the pillowcase or towel.  This prevents the joey from swallowing the teat.  Keep the joey warm and take it directly to a vet, a wildlife carer, or the RSPCA.  

If you can remove the deceased animal well off the road - this helps to prevent further roadkill.  Always check to see if the animal is male or female - if female check the pouch.  If the pouch is empty but shows signs of having been used, then look around for the joey who may have wandered off looking for food or warmth.  You can inform the local council of the deceased animal (especially if it is too messy for you to move) and they should come and remove it.  

Possums and gliders that are on the ground usually need help.  If it is safe to do so, place a box next to the animal and use a towel to shuffle the animal in.  Close the box securely.  If the animal has noticeable injuries, a vet is the first port of call.  Injured animals always require a vet before a wildlife carer.  Once the vet has ascertained if the animal is injured, they will usually contact a wildlife carer in their area.  Make a note of where the animal was found to aid in its return to its own territory.  Leave your name and number with the vet as the wildlife carer may want to get in contact. 

Possums sometimes get 'caught out' when they don't make it home before sunrise.  They will curl up in some strange places, and if you cannot see any injuries, let the animal sleep for the day and check to see that it has moved off once night falls.  If it is in the same place the next morning without having moved during the night, it may need some assistance. 

Macropod means macro (big) pod (foot).  They come into care most often because of car hits.  Keep in mind that an injured macropod is a force to be reckoned with.  Do not put yourself in danger.  Call an experienced carer or the RSPCA.  The best way to transport an injured wallaby is in a large bag or pillowcase, but a kangaroo needs a large blanket wrapped securely around it.  Macropods are very 'stressy', so as little noise and movement as possible will be beneficial.  

A bird with a broken wing is not viable.  Sometimes the break can be mended but birds rely on their wings to escape predators and hunt for food.  Sometimes the kindest thing is to have them put to sleep.  If the injury is just bruising, some time in care may be all it needs to rehabilitate fully.  Make a note of where the bird was found, so that it can be returned - it may well have a life partner waiting for it.  Birds hit by cars are often only stunned and removing them from the road to a safe place on the verge or surrounding bushland gives them time to recuperate.  

Don't just collect a baby bird from the ground - check to see if the adult in the area - the little one may be just learning to fly.  It can take a couple of days to get the hang of flying, and birds are best raised by their parents.  Don't be a bird-napper!  If the parents are not in sight, then a wildlife carer is the best bet. 

These beautiful animals need specialized care from a registered bat carer.  Only carers who have had their lyssa virus injections may handle them.  If you find an injured bat, contact ONARR on 3030 2245, or the RSPCA.  Do not touch the animal.  If it is trapped on barbed wire, place a damp towel over the top of it to help prevent stress and further injury.  If you cannot do this without touching the animal, leave it well alone.  

Do not pick up an injured snake - especially if you cannot ascertain if it is venomous.  Ring an experienced snake handler or the RSPCA.  Injured turtles need special attention from the RSPCA - shells can sometimes be mended.  Frogs should be placed in a container on a dampened towel to prevent dehydration.  Lizards should be confined to prevent further injury.  Vet assistance is necessary for all injured reptiles.