Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre is seeing a record number of wildlife cases for spring, with motorists being asked to be wary of animals on the move.
For the month of September, a total of 271 animals were seen by the expert veterinary team.
This equates to nine wildlife patients a day, which is about three times the number of cases treated at the same time last year.
For October it was even busier with 283 wildlife cases treated, and November is already shaping up to be just as busy.
The Sanctuary’s Senior Veterinarian, Dr Helen McCracken, said road trauma is by far the most common reason wild animals are needing treatment at the hospital.
“We see wildlife cases from across Melbourne and its surrounds, as well as regional Victoria,” Dr McCracken said.
“And with more human movement now happening across the state, it’s a timely reminder to be extra vigilant and look out for animals when driving.
“More animals have certainly been moving around as they look for food for their babies or for a potential mate, and I wonder if more people are also noticing the animals when out walking.
“If you’re a pedestrian or motorist and you come across injured wildlife, please do a quick pouch check, as a little joey may be on board and could be saved.”
Kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and tawny frogmouths are more likely to be moving around at dawn and dusk, and magpies, ravens and kookaburra are often near roads during the day.
The Australian Wildlife Health Centre based at Healesville Sanctuary can assist with injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife, and is open from 9am to 4pm every day of the year. Call (03) 5957 2829 or visit zoo.org.au/wildlife response
The work of the Sanctuary veterinary team can be seen through the internal glass walls of the hospital, which is open to Sanctuary visitors.
Zoos Victoria members and Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au and all adult ticketholders (16 years and over) are required to provide proof of full vaccination and follow current Victorian Government directions at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
