Winki Wildlife embracing start on the Surf Coast

A LOCAL Torquay wildlife carer is taking on new objectives to widen his ability to assist the rehabilitation of native fauna, following the opening of his first shelter last year.

Torquay-based wildlife warrior Grant Norris, owner of Winki Wildlife Shelter, has developed his network to assist injured wildlife across the Surf Coast and beyond for the past half decade, allowing him to open up his own shelter in September last year.

Mr Norris said the opening of the shelter is allowing him to pursue endeavours to increase foster care networks, while continuing to run Winki Wildlife.

“I got my shelter’s authorisation last September, so I haven’t had the shelter for that long, but I’ve been a foster carer for over four years previously volunteering my time at Jirrahlinga in Barwon Heads and Winchelsea Wildlife Shelter,”

Mr Norris said.

“I also run Surf Coast Animal Rescue Service and am president of the Australian Fauna Society Inc, but this shelter also allows me to pursue other avenues I’m passionate about, which include advocating for wildlife corridors and greater protection for our native wildlife.”

Mr Norris also maintains a healthy relationship with Wildlife Victoria as a training facilitator and will soon apply for his darter license.

He continues building and developing his enclosure facilities and is on the cusp of purchasing another humidicrib, all while obtaining more volunteer foster carers under the Winki Wildlife Shelter banner.

Mr Norris specialises in fostering marsupials such as kangaroos, possums and koalas, but is capable of rescuing all types of wildlife.

Grant’s foster carer Melissa Fitzwilliam also specialises in caring for ravens and magpies.

At any one time, Mr Norris and his volunteer carers can look after as many as 35 animals but is currently looking after approximately 15 animals, rehabilitating an average of 100 animals year-round.

“We’re also building and upgrading some aviaries as well, but the main aim is always to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of carers, before I retire,” Mr Norris said.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever do that though, because I love it so much, but I’m making sure we continue to prepare carers for this line of work.”

Mr Norris also took the chance to thank the team at Fur Life Vets Torquay North for their assistance in caring for injured and displaced wildlife.

To call for wildlife rescue or assist with day-to-day costs such as food, hygiene, and cleaning products, Mr Norris said residents are more than welcome to donate to either Winki Wildlife Shelter or the Australian Fauna Society Inc.

To assist Winki Wildlife please donate to the Australian Fauna Society Inc, via BSB (083-929) and Account Number (249970934).

The shelter is always looking for volunteers and rescuers to assist.