Wildlife carers seek volunteers to help injured animals

NORTHERN Rivers Wildlife Carers is calling on more volunteers to help with the rescue and rehabilitation of animals across the region.

The group will host an introductory training day on Sunday, February 9 at the wildlife sanctuary in Knockrow.

The carers have helped rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned wildlife for release back into the wild since 1992.

It is the longest running group of its kind and services Ballina, Byron Bay and Lismore.

The training workshop will introduce the most common species of animals that come into care and why.

New members will learn basic rescue methods for wallabies and kangaroos, birds, possums, echidnas and reptiles.

Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers training officer Kerry-anne Manning said the group needs the most help with its ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

“We rely on a core group of volunteers, and we really appreciate their ongoing efforts,” she said.

“We’re happy to train as many people as possible because there is a need for it.

“We get a lot of people keen after flood and fire events, but they tend to drop off after a while.

“On the day they can buy rescue equipment such as baskets, disinfectants and other rescue equipment.”

The ongoing care is home-based and the group relies on donations and government support to pay for cribs, incubators, food and transport trailers.

The group also helps the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and works alongside WIRES and other animal rescue initiatives.

The carers hold additional specific training courses throughout the year, but people have to have done the introductory training first.

Some of the animals there include flying foxes, macropods and non-venomous snakes.

Ms Manning said volunteers can help in a variety of ways, including sewing basket covers and mats to be sold with rescue kits.

She mainly looks after possums and can have up to nine at one time.

Volunteers can pick their own hours to be on the rescue hotline after work and on weekends.

There has been an increase in water dragons and bluetongue lizards being injured in dog attacks this summer, while several echidnas have been hit by cars.

The training day will run from 9am to 3pm and will include morning tea.

It costs $25 for members, $45 for non-members and is valid for the year.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes and can be made by emailing [email protected] or phoning 6628 1866.