Thank you to all volunteers across Australia in National Volunteers Week, which ran from the 17th to the 23rd May. There are so many ways to volunteer in our local communities that no one should ever say they are bored! Some of our WILVO volunteers help on Hotline, some transport animals to carers and vets, and others actively rehabilitate the injured and orphaned wildlife.
It is that time of year when wildlife volunteers are busy with the nocturnal animals, and the busiest bird breeding season hasn’t yet begun. It came as a shock to suddenly have so many injured and dead birds, mainly rainbow lorikeets, after the recent storm which swept through Maroochydore. Thank you to WILVOS and other wildlife volunteers who picked up so many birds and took them through to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for veterinary treatment.
So many members of the public help our wildlife also. A couple with a very young baby waited near an injured kangaroo at Ninderry recently. The little baby was probably due for a feed at that time of day but these lovely people wanted to ensure that the kangaroo was found. It was also transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital but unfortunately the xrays showed extreme damage. Even when an animal has to be euthanized, it is the best outcome in these circumstances. Sadly there are still people who will leave an injured animal by the road without calling a wildlife group.
Yesterday, people were very upset after hitting an echidna on the road. It dug in beside the road, as they do, but they managed to get their hands under its soft belly and remove it from the dirt. No mean feat with these very strong animals! They then placed him in a shopping bag and met with Sharon, one of our WILVOS. This was one very lucky echidna. Xrays showed minimal damage, and a couple of days rest and pain relief should see it ready to return to its home.
Giving back to the community, in any way, is a rewarding occupation. It is this community spirit that leads to a happy healthy environment for all living things.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au