A WILVOS induction for new members is coming up this Sunday 29th October. It is a great
time for people to learn about our unique native animals. Some people like to just help out
on the WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline. Others may wish to actively care for wildlife, or
transport animals to wildlife clinics, vets or carers. Training is given in all facets. Jump on
the www.wilvos.org.au website and join up now!
Wildlife carers all begin by knowing very little. Learning is a constant activity. I have been
reminded of this in the past weeks. I have had animals come into my care that I have never
rehabilitated before. Fortunately, WILVOs has a great support team and we all bombard each
other with questions when necessary. Research into our wildlife is continual. I was a little
apprehensive with the amazing topknot pigeon chick. I think the adults are such incredible,
prehistoric looking birds. They are found along the east coast of Australia, favouring
rainforest habitat, and following the fruit trail. Sadly, so much of their habitat has been
destroyed. Swallowing whole fruits, they are great distributors of seeds but we need the
human race to have a little more respect for trees!
It is important to try to feed our wildlife in care with food from their natural habitats. I am
now constantly searching the Yandina area for fruiting native trees as Tommy topknot has
grown to feathered stage very quickly. He certainly enjoyed his little native figs yesterday, as
they disappeared down the hatch!
The cute little crested pigeon is often called a topknot but they are really nothing alike. There
is a huge size difference. My young topknot chick would squash my juvenile crested if it
was able to sit on it! Nellie, the crested pigeon, from Kureelpa, has grown so quickly and has
been an absolute delight to rehabilitate. So petite and delicate compared with the robust
topknot.
It has been a busy time, so we’ll see what this week brings.
P.S. How impressive is the Nambour & Hinterland Business Directory. In this complex
digital age, sometimes a printed publication is more convenient. Well Done!
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail
Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au
Join WILVOS and learn about our wildlife
