Another year draws to a close and WILVOS have recorded more calls and wildlife in care than ever before. Thank you to our amazing 5441 6200 Hotliners who have had a tough time trying to find carers for so many animals. Would you like to be a carer? Training is given, as we all began knowing little. Most wildlife carers work, so everyone chooses just how much help they can offer. Hopefully 2022 will see an increase in new wildlife carers in all areas.
Entirely run by volunteers, WILVOS are so appreciative to the members of the public who have offered help in so many ways. Our joeys are sporting very glamorous pouches! Local businesses have been so supportive, some holding some unique fundraising events. To every person who rings up concerned about injured or orphaned or displaced animals, we cannot thank you enough. You are saving our wildlife for the future.
WILVOS would like to thank the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, RSPCA’s Eumundi Wildlife Centre and all our local vets. They do wonderful work with an enormous amount of wildlife. Without their help our wildlife would suffer more than necessary. As carers we can only do so much, and veterinary assessment and care is often needed before we rehabilitate the animals. WILVOS also deserve thanks for supporting their carers so well. Meeting food costs for carers has meant that wildlife carers can continue their wonderful work even if their economic circumstances change.
Removal of vegetation by development will always have impact, but its sad to see private landholders doing unnecessary clearing. That one tree, especially a dead one, can house so many wildlife. Our ringtail and brushtail possums, and our few remaining gliders, are being displaced at an ever-increasing rate.
This year saw a larger number of carnivorous marsupials in care. Antechinus and brush-tailed phascogales usually only appear occasionally. These insect eaters are so needed in the environment and it is a worry when there is a particular increase of compromised animals of one species. Resembling mice in appearance does not help the survival rate of small marsupials. Hopefully everyone will buy or make their cat a cat aviary for Christmas – these keep the cats safe and our wildlife safe.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas, followed by a wonderful 2022.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au