Australian Reptile Park calls for public to assist flood affected wildlife

As torrential rain and major flooding continues to impact Greater Sydney and the New South Wales coast, Australian Reptile Park’s wildlife experts are calling on the public to help those that cannot help themselves – Australia’s precious and unique wildlife.

Animals that are most likely to be flood affected include platypus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas and koalas.

It is not just ground dwelling animals at risk during floods. In the crazy weather conditions Greater Sydney is experiencing, animal homes such as trees are falling due to wind and rain conditions that can potentially injure and displace its inhabitants. The flooding also causes pollution to be swept into waterways causing chaos to aquatic species.

Australian Reptile Park Operations Manager Billy Collett advises “first and foremost, please do not put yourself in any danger when helping wildlife. If you do come across and animal in need of assistance call your local wildlife rescue organisation to collect the animal and keep it safe.”

Located in one of the declared natural disaster zones of the Central Coast, the Australian Reptile Park is currently faring well, and all animals are safe. However, Park staff are no strangers to flooding with January 2020 seeing the Park closing due to two separate flooding events. All staff are on standby to jump into action as soon as necessary.

There are several organisations that can assist with injured wildlife:

• WIRES – 1300 094 737 (State-wide)

• Sydney Wildlife Rescue – (02) 9413 4300 (Sydney metropolitan area)

• Wildlife Arc – (02) 4325 0666 (Central Coast)

The Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo located the natural bush setting of the Central Coast of NSW, 60 minutes from Sydney or Newcastle. The Australian Reptile Park is accepting the Parents NSW Vouchers until October 2022. More information at www.reptilepark.com.au