Victoria’s wildlife rescue organisations receive funding boost

The latest round of the Victorian Government’s Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program will support wildlife shelter operators and foster carers with up to $3,000 in funding to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

The Victorian Government’s $230,000 investment will support 102 wildlife organisations – including 34 wildlife shelter operators – to continue to care for thousands of native animals across Victoria every year including kangaroos, koalas, possums, wombats, birds and reptiles.

Among the recipients are Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre which received funds to build a predator proof aviary for microbats and a pond for water birds and South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter will be able buy new possum and bat nest boxes.

Red Box Wildlife Shelter will receive funding to build a shelter for kangaroo rehabilitation while Outlook Rd Shelter can now build two flight enclosures, a wombat enclosure and essential feed and milk formula.

Last year, more than 100 wildlife carers and shelters across Victoria received grants, helping to fund wildlife enclosures, medication, feed, rescue equipment and veterinary fees.

To further support and guide the work of wildlife rescue volunteers, the Government has also released the Victorian Wildlife Rehabilitation Guidelines – a comprehensive resource to enhance the welfare of Victoria’s sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Victoria’s Wildlife Rehabilitator program runs yearly, recognising the important role of wildlife rehabilitators in dedicating themselves to the health and rehabilitation of injured or displaced wildlife so Victoria’s native animals can safely return to the wild.

Since 2015, the State Government has invested $5.4 million to support the work of wildlife foster carers, authorised wildlife shelter operators and key wildlife organisations. This is part of the state’s biggest investment into protecting biodiversity and environment in history – investing $582 million, since 2014.

Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos shared “Victoria’s wildlife shelters and foster carers do such important work to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned native animals so that they can be released back into the wild.”

“These grants are about supporting and recognising our dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time and expertise to help sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.”

Image. Kangaroo care.Credit: Red Box Wildlife Shelter