Wildlife rescue organisations urge people not to keep injured, sick or abandoned native animals as pets

Wildlife rescue centres are urging residents not to keep native wildlife as pets, as many centres are seeing an influx of surrendered animals struggling to survive. Esperance Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation are a not-for-profit wildlife rescue centre, specialising in animal rescues, rehabilitation and roadside assistance, and have been caring for surrendered and rescued wildlife animals for close to 13 years. Founder Lynn Kidd said her centre, along with many others, was constantly experiencing surrendered kangaroos previously kept as pets, which were all lacking vital specialised care. “We have a lot of people who raise these kangaroos as pets in their back gardens in the suburbs,” she said. “They get surrendered to me when they’re at death’s door. “The members of the public have tried and thought ‘Oh this is too difficult’ and it ends up with us. “Then we carry the financial cost, the emotional strain and the hours and weeks that it takes to try and save the animal.” Perth animal rescue facility WA Wildlife warned residents of the legal implications for people who hold on to injured, sick or abandoned wildlife after recently receiving a thin, dehydrated and exhausted joey which had been kept by a family for several weeks, surrounded by dogs and small children. Under law a person must hand over native wildlife to a licensed rehabilitation provider or veterinary hospital within 72 hours or face penalties from $2500 to $500,000. Ms Kidd said there were no repercussions or judgment toward people who handed over wildlife previously kept as pets, as she believed people most of the time were simply unaware of the specialised care needed for the animals and had good intentions. “I think a lot of people do have a compassionate, empathetic heart and probably think ‘Oh, this is a beautiful baby, I’d love to raise it’,” she said. “You know, the human emotion comes into it, and probably they have kind hearts. “A lot of people just don’t realise the specialised needs of these animals. “It’s not an act of cruelty, it’s an act of ignorance.” She said it was important the marsupials were taken into rehabilitation centres and veterinary hospitals as soon as possible, as it provided them with specialised care which was not available anywhere else. This includes being raised alongside other joeys of the same weight, fed specific milk solutions, kept at a constant temperature, and given specific medical or sedation solutions to care for injuries and trauma. People can call their nearest wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centre or veterinary hospital if they come across a sick, injured or abandoned animal. If in doubt, call the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.