The WILVOS 5441 6200 hotline has been busier than ever. Eight hundred calls came through the Hotline in the last month from the 96% of the volunteers shifts recorded. There were a huge variety of animals including birds, macropods, possums, gliders, echidnas and reptiles. WILVOS also receive calls about other animals in distress, domestic and feral, and always ensure these are handled by the relevant organization.
My little red-necked wallaby, Traviata, is very happy to have a friend just a little bit larger than her. Lucy is bossy but they get along well. We always try to group species with their own kind as it helps in their transition back to the wild. The joeys receive constant ‘mothering’ while young, but then they need to know and identify with their own species.
A very cute little swamp wallaby has been with me for a couple of weeks as another wildlife carer was moving house. Banjo is forever entertaining as he finds his feet out in the backyard. He is just at the stage of emerging from his mother’s pouch so is often quite hesitant to venture into the big wide world, till his curiosity gets the better of him. Naturally, he feels more secure after sunset and this is his adventurous time. This exercise time is so important for them after every feed, allowing them to strengthen their muscles and absorb sunshine for the vitamin needed for healthy bones.
It is sad to read about wildlife problems in different areas around Australia. Bats always receive bad publicity because no one wants them roosting in their back yard. I would not be happy to have a bat colony near my house, though I know they are fascinating animals that do so much good in the environment. Where we hear about No Tree No Me with the koalas, in the case of bats it is No Bats No Forest, because their pollinating skills are unbeatable. These problems are usually the result of habitat destruction by greedy, ignorant and thoughtless people.
WILVOS have had so many lovely, considerate members of the public contact the Hotline Their phone calls have saved so many native animals.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au