Getting wildlife back to the bush

Special people give up their time, and often their own money, to help injured, sick and orphaned wildlife.

The task has been made slightly easier with Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants now open, and there is $230,000 up for grabs.

Mary-Anne Thomas (Member for Macedon) said wildlife shelter operators and foster carers can apply for grants of up to $3,000 for equipment, infrastructure, consumables, education and training.

“The work that wildlife shelters and foster carers do is critically important to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife so animals can be released back to the wild – and that’s why we’re continuing to provide support to them,” she said.

There are more than 700 registered volunteer wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria, that continue to provide that support for wildlife.

Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said this is about giving a helping hand to many of Victoria’s dedicated volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife.

“This is part of our record investment into protecting the state’s precious biodiversity,” she said.

Last year the grants were provided to 120 wildlife carers and shelters, funding a range of expenses from new enclosures, nesting boxes and temperature control systems to medication, feed and rescue equipment.

Applications close on Tuesday 6 September 2022, to apply for a grant go to: wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants/