Time to go home…..

Looking through the 5441 6200 Hotline phone records brings a realization of the problems
that our native animals are facing out there. They have to contend with their usual
predators in nature, along with the issues of tree clearing, housing developments, vehicle
traffic and domestic animal predation. Survival is not easy for our wildlife.
As we see healthy animals being injured or killed, it makes wildlife carers a little
apprehensive when releasing rehabilitated wildlife back into the wild. Many of these
animals – birds, marsupials, reptiles and monotremes such as echidnas – have often been in
care for many months.
Priority for released wildlife is ensuring they are 100% fit both physically and
psychologically. There is no compromise in preparation for this reintroduction to their
natural habitat, and the choice of suitable habitat. They must be wary of humans, and be
consuming their natural diet, not supermarket supplements. Those wild instincts have to
come to the fore, and the animals have to be able to forage for what they will be eating out
there in the wild.
Release day is always sad but also exhilarating as the native animals are finally free. Thanks
to Liam and his team at Biodiverse Environmental, and our wonderful Land for Wildlife
people, our wildlife get their best chance. When statistics look dire on the rescue side it is
reassuring to see the number of injured and orphaned animals being released back out into
beautiful habitat that is able to sustain them as they find their way in a challenging world.
Last week saw the release of a colony of squirrel gliders, a colony of ringtail possums, two
common brushtail possums and a pair of short-eared brushtail possums. It was a very busy
day for the release team. Many kilometres may be travelled in reaching their destinations.
It is the reward for the wildlife carer as we wish them a safe and happy life!
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail
Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au