Latest news with #WildcareAustralia
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Winter warning to Aussie residents after surprising discovery in fireplace
A winter warning has been issued as Aussies light up their fireplaces to combat the chilly temperatures. Before igniting the wood or gas, wildlife rescuers are urging people to have a look and make sure no animals have moved into the 'cosy spot'. The plea comes after staff at a hotel in the ACT busted a brushtail possum trying to check in. Seeking a warm place to sleep in the early hours of the morning, the creature strutted through the reception in front of surprised workers, ACT Wildlife rescuers told Yahoo News. 'It climbed up into the wood pile when the staff member tried to shoo it out of the front sliding door,' Clare Wynter and Stephen Bartos, who responded to the callout, said. Photos of the adorable creature show the possum hiding on top of the wood stacked high next to the foyer's fireplace. Luckily, he didn't put up much of a fight, and after removing a few pieces, the rescuers were able to wrap a towel around the 'very healthy' animal and place it in a rescue basket. He was kept for the day and released nearby later that night. 'With nocturnal animals, it's important to release them in the night when they are active,' the volunteers told Yahoo. 'If they are released in the daytime, they are at risk of being attacked by daytime animals, such as larger birds.' The possum's cheeky manoeuvre is just one of many incidents involving fireplaces that wildlife carers around the country have come across in recent weeks. Rescuers with Wildcare Australia Inc, based in southeast Queensland, discovered an uninjured 'little' possum sitting on top of kindling after climbing down a chimney. 'But before you light that first fire, it's crucial to ensure your chimney is safe for both your home and local wildlife,' the organisation said online. 'Chimneys and flues can become inviting shelters for animals, especially in cooler weather. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, for any wildlife seeking refuge there. We often see an increase in injured possums and other wildlife needing help at this time of year.' Western Australia-based Kanyana Wildlife has issued the same warning, stating every winter it sees numerous 'cases where possums, cockatoos, phascogales, owls, bats and other hollow-dependent native animals are trapped in unsafe 'hollows'," which include roller doors, roofs and under solar panels. 'Many suffer severe burns and smoke inhalation,' the group said. ✈️ 'Long-lost' outback creature makes 1,500km journey home 🪧 Sad find on road sign as Aussie state mulls major change for pet owners 🏙️ Outback photos highlight common issue 'deceiving' city-dwellers ACT Wildlife encourages Aussies who have a fireplace or wood stove to check them before starting their first fire, and to contact a local rescue group for advice if an animal is found. Other tips include: Use a torch to thoroughly inspect the chimney and flue for signs of wildlife. Cover the top of chimneys with wire to prevent animals from entering the home. Consider placing species-appropriate nest boxes on your property as a safer alternative. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Guardian
10-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
When Cyclone Alfred forced a wildlife hospital to close, this rescue koala found a new place to recuperate
Laura Leaf, a rescued koala, was the last surgery of the day at Currumbin wildlife hospital, just hours before its doors were due to close to ride out Tropical Cyclone Alfred. But after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery on Wednesday, Laura Leaf needed round-the-clock care – and the Gold Coast hospital's intensive care unit was about to be shut. Step forward Mallory Wilson, a nursing supervisor at the hospital who offered up a spare room in her Nerang home to be turned into a life-saving make-shift ICU. 'It's a bit of a downgrade at my house but at least I could get her out of the elements,' Wilson said. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Many non-urgent patients at the hospital were sent out to volunteer carers in the community, many part of the charity Wildcare Australia, to stay out of the cyclonic winds and torrential rains. Likely suffering from the knock-on effects of the disease chlamydia, Laura Leaf had been brought to the not-for-profit hospital by rescue organisation Wires after being found on the ground in the Gold Coast hinterland area of Guanaba. Laura Leaf, who also had a sick possum for company in the same spare room, spent three nights in Wilson's home. Wilson kept up with Laura Leaf's pain medication and intravenous fluids but also kept the koala freshly supplied with eucalypt leaves. 'I was checking in on her every few hours and was talking to the vets,' she said. 'We did lose power for a couple of hours but the fluid pumps held their charge, and we did have a back-up plan.' Dr Michael Pyne, senior veterinarian at the hospital, said: 'We knew [Laura Leaf] wouldn't make it without round-the-clock care. When you work in wildlife medicine, you do whatever it takes. She had major intestinal issues and we needed to monitor her closely.' Laura Leaf and the possum were admitted back to the hospital on Saturday and are recovering well but a flood of new arrivals have started to come in after Cyclone Alfred skirted the region. More than 50 animals, including birds, possums and turtles, have already been admitted and, with many more expected in the coming days, the hospital has launched an emergency appeal. 'Freshwater turtles, seabirds and other displaced animals will need our help in the coming days,' Pyne said. The hospital asked the public to bring injured wildlife directly to the hospital if it was safe but said people should never approach snakes or flying foxes and should avoid putting themselves at risk when helping animals.
