Wildlife Rescue
Wildlife rescue begins with a moment. Sometimes it’s a call in the middle of the night. Other times it’s a member of the public stopping beside the road. In every case, it begins with someone choosing to help.
At Wild Island Rescue & Rehabilitation, we respond to these moments with care, urgency, and compassion. From the first interaction to the final release, our mission is to ensure every injured, orphaned, or displaced wild animal is given the best possible chance to recover and return to where they belong.
This page is the heart of our work. It introduces you to the journey of rescue, explains how to act when you find an animal in need, and links to the foundational pages that guide our care philosophy.
Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release
At the heart of our work are three guiding stages: rescue, care and release. Whether the journey begins with a midnight call or a quiet handover, our goal is always the same: to support recovery and return wildlife to the wild, where each silent farewell marks the moment nature takes over once more.
Explore → /rescue-rehabilitation-release
Caring for Wildlife Starts Before the Rescue
Good wildlife care starts in the community with awareness, compassion and knowing when to act. Our Caring for Wildlife page offers practical advice on helping animals in distress, and avoiding unintentional harm. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to make a difference.
Explore → /caring-for-wildlife
The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
Our work is deeply shaped by the Five Freedoms, a set of internationally recognised principles that define what all animals deserve — in care and in life. These include freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain and injury, fear and distress, and the freedom to express normal behaviours.
Explore → /five-freedoms
What to Do If You Find Injured Wildlife
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can save a life. On our What to Do If You Find Injured Wildlife page, you’ll find simple, practical instructions for how to act quickly and safely when you come across a native animal in distress.
Explore → /find-injured-orphaned-wildlife