Found an Animal
Finding a sick, injured, or orphaned animal can be overwhelming — but your quick actions can make a big difference. These guidelines will help you know what to do immediately and in the short term until the animal can be placed into specialist care.
What to Do Immediately
Ensure your own safety first before approaching wildlife.
If safe, move the animal away from immediate danger (e.g., traffic, predators).
Keep the animal warm, quiet, and in the dark to reduce stress.
Avoid giving food or water — native animals need specialist care, and improper feeding can cause harm.
Call Wildlife SA as soon as possible so together we can decide on the best course of action.
📞 Our contact information is listed on the [Contact Us page].
Emergency Wildlife Rescue Kit
If you often travel in areas where you might encounter injured wildlife, carrying a small kit can make rescues safer and more effective. Useful items include:
🔦 Torch
🧤 Disposable Gloves
📎 Safety Pins
🛏️ Pillow Case
✂️ Scissors
🧣 Towels
📦 Cardboard Box or Plastic Picnic Basket
🔥 Hot Water Bottle or Instant Heat Packs
Why Specialist Care Matters
Native wildlife require expert handling, feeding, and medical treatment. Without the right knowledge, even well-meaning care can put an animal’s life at risk. That’s why it’s essential to hand them over to trained carers like us who have the experience and facilities to give them the best chance of survival.
