Injured native animals are highly susceptible to stress and must be handled with care. Acting calmly and appropriately can significantly improve the animal’s chance of recovery.
It is illegal to keep native wildlife taken from the wild. Animals must be transferred to a licensed wildlife rescue organisation.
Do not attempt to handle or move injured, trapped or dead bats yourself, only wildlife professionals who are properly trained in handling bats and are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment should handle them due to the disease risk to humans. Contact a wildlife rescue organisation for assistance.
Members of the public must not be involved with the rescue of snakes and are encouraged to stay a safe distance away from the animal to minimise the risk of snake bite. Contact a licensed wildlife rescue organisation for safe handling and transport to veterinary assistance.
For after-hours assistance for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife outside of opening hours, please contact:
If you are outside Sydney, locate a licensed wildlife rescue organisation in your area (IFAW app) to ensure appropriate and timely care.
Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
It is recommended all suspect cases are reported to the hotline.
We continue to accept avian patients for assessment. We request carers and community members call in advance to make an appointment. Please advise the species of bird and circumstances.
The Wildlife Health and Conservation hospital is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. The hospital is not open on weekends for any admissions.
For more information about the situation in NSW.
For more information about the situation nationally:
For more information about H5 bird flu.
Native wildlife have unique and specialised diets, improper feeding can cause serious harm or death.
No. It is illegal to keep native wildlife without appropriate licences. Wildlife must be cared for by licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and registered veterinarians to provide them with expert care.
Native wildlife relies on familiar territories for survival. Accurate location data is critical for an animal's survival, ecological balance, population dynamics and supports successful release outcomes.
Avoid. Record. Report.
If you come across wildlife that appears unusually sick or observe a mass mortality event, you should avoid all contact with the animals. If you suspect an emergency animal disease, notifiable disease or exotic pest, you should immediately report it by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
Call our hospital if you are unsure what to do.
Our UVTHS team can care for wildlife brought into the clinic by members of the general public. The Sydney team work in conjunction with WIRES to facilitate the most appropriate care for the animal.
UVTHS does not see native species and exotics kept as pets, we advise you find an alternative clinic for routine and emergency care.
