With many parts of Victoria now underwater, we are currently experiencing  the most widespread flood damage Victoria has ever seen.  This is devastating for our wildlife and the team here at Wildlife Victoria, along with our network of dedicated volunteers, have been hard at work helping them back on their feet. Hardest hit are burrowing animals, such as wombats, echidnas and platypus, many of which have been flooded out of their homes and found suffering hypothermia or orphaned when their mothers are drowned. Nesting birds and tree-dwelling animals like koalas and possums can also be rendered homeless in severe storms. These displaced animals may be swept out onto roads and usual places where they are vulnerable to road trauma and predation by introduced animals.

If there is flooding or heavy rain in your area, please keep an extra eye out for any distressed, waterlogged or injured wildlife. They may seek shelter closer to your home or be disoriented and wandering near the roadside. Waterlogged birds and any baby animals that seem too young to be on their own are other things to be alert for. In all cases, please phone our 24 hour Emergency Phone service on 13 000 94535 where our trained operators are ready to help.  Thankfully, once in the proper care of our volunteers, most of these animals can be dried off, nursed back to health and then released into the wild once the flood waters have subsided.  Orphaned babies require long term care until they are old enough for release. Wildlife Victoria will continue to monitor the situation as flood water recede and do whatever we can.  Your donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated at this time.