Wildlife shelter operators and carers offered grants of up to $3,000

The Victorian Government has opened applications for the 2023 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants for wildlife shelter operators and foster carers to access grants of up to $3,000.

The grants will help volunteer wildlife rehabilitators continue to care for thousands of native animals every year including kangaroos, koalas, possums, wombats, birds and reptiles.

Last year more than 100 wildlife carers and shelters across Victoria received the 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.

The guidelines were developed in consultation with Zoos Victoria, specialist veterinarians and the wildlife rehabilitation community.

Since 2015, the State Government has invested $5.2 million to support the work of, foster carers, authorised wildlife shelter operators and key wildlife organisations.

The funding of the state’s wildlife volunteers is underpinned by the Victorian Government’s Biodiversity 2037 strategy, a record investment of $582 million since 2014.

Victorian Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt notes “Victoria’s wildlife shelters and foster carers do such important work to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife, so that our state’s animals can be released back into the wild.”

“These grants are about helping the many dedicated volunteers who house, feed and care for our precious wildlife when they need it most.”

“The new rehabilitation guidelines will support the invaluable work of wildlife rescue volunteers and enhance the welfare of our sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.”

To learn more about the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants and to submit an application, visit wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants.

Applications close at 3:30pm on 15th September 2023.