Finding an injured or orphaned animal can be upsetting, particularly when you’re unsure what to do. Whether it’s a wallaby hit by a car, a bird injured in your backyard or a joey found alone, knowing a few simple steps can help you respond safely.

Your safety always comes first. Injured animals can be frightened or unpredictable, and trying to help without the right advice can sometimes cause more harm. If you find wildlife that appears injured, sick or orphaned, contact a wildlife rescue service for guidance before attempting to handle or move it.

Step 1 – Keep Yourself Safe

Before approaching an injured animal, make sure it is safe to do so. If you’re driving, pull over somewhere safe and away from traffic. Injured wildlife can be frightened and unpredictable, so keep children and pets away and avoid handling larger animals or birds of prey. Never put yourself in danger to rescue an animal.

Step 2 – Call for Wildlife Rescue Assistance

If you find injured, sick or orphaned wildlife, contact Bonorong Wildlife Rescue on 0447 264 625. Their 24-hour rescue service can provide advice and arrange assistance where needed. Be ready to explain what animal you’ve found, its condition and exactly where it is located. Follow their advice before attempting to handle or move the animal.

Step 3 – Keep the Animal Safe and Quiet

If you have been advised to move the animal and it is safe to do so, place it in a secure, well ventilated box lined with a soft towel. Keep the box somewhere quiet and out of direct sunlight, away from children and pets. Follow the rescuer’s advice about keeping the animal warm, as different animals may have different needs. Leave the animal undisturbed while waiting for further instructions from the rescue service.

Step 4 – Handle the Animal as Little as Possible

Injured wildlife can become stressed or frightened when handled, even if they appear calm. If you have been advised to contain an animal, avoid touching, checking or moving it unnecessarily. Do not attempt to examine its injuries or let others handle it. Keeping the animal quiet and undisturbed will help prevent further stress or injury while waiting for assistance.

Step 5 – Do Not Give Food or Water

Do not offer food or water to an injured or orphaned animal unless a wildlife rescuer or vet advises you to do so. Different species have different dietary needs, and giving the wrong food can make an animal sick. Even offering water can be dangerous if an animal is weak or injured. The safest approach is to leave feeding and watering to someone experienced in wildlife care.

Step 6 – Follow the Rescuer’s Advice

Once you’ve contacted a wildlife rescue service, follow their instructions and wait for further assistance if needed. You may be asked to keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance, provide more information about its location or arrange transport if it is safe to do so. If the animal moves away or its condition changes, let the rescue service know. Do not release an animal you’ve been advised to keep contained without checking first.

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Cover Image by Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0.