A message from our CEO - Spring 2025

Thank you for your ongoing support of Wildlife Victoria.

Earlier this week, the Federal Government released their Climate Risk Assessment Report, “the single most-significant body of climate work by the Australian government.”

This report outlines the pressures that a warming climate will have on our landscapes and the people and animals that depend on them. 

The impacts of climate change are already being felt by native wildlife. These animals have evolved with the landscape over centuries, but human impacts are threatening the balance of nature. 

At Wildlife Victoria we are seeing more wildlife being impacted by unseasonal weather changes. Species breeding patterns are changing and native animals are being forced to expand their home ranges in search of food. 

This winter especially we have seen one of Victoria's worst periods of drought.  The prolonged drought is pushing wildlife out of their usual habitats in search of food and water sources.  This forces native animals into farming and urban areas which can have dire outcomes. 

Roadstrike 

Wildlife-vehicle collision is one of the key reasons for calls for assistance for wildlife, and these types of cases have increased by 288% across the last 10 years. Wildlife Victoria made a substantial submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Wildlife Roadstrike in Victoria, and I was asked to present evidence at a public hearing. We will continue to work with all levels of government to implement meaningful protections for wildlife. Further detail about our work to reduce wildlife roadstrike can be found in this newsletter. 

Wildlife roadstrike is also a huge safety issue for the public. Earlier this month we saw a tragic accident with the deaths of two women who stopped to help a kangaroo hit by a vehicle. These two young people lost their lives while showing compassion to an animal in need and we will always remember them for that kindness and courage. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families and everyone impacted by this tragedy. Please read our article in this newsletter with advice on how to stay safe while helping wildlife on our roads.

Phalaris poisoning 

In August, Wildlife Victoria sounded the alarm over an unprecedented spike in eastern grey kangaroos suffering from deadly Phalaris grass toxicity across Victoria. The crisis placed extraordinary strain on our Emergency Response Service.  
 
The recent drought conditions have forced kangaroo populations to look for new food sources, and phalaris grass is a drought-resistant grass species that is commonly used as a pasture grass for grazing livestock. Unfortunately, it can be dangerously toxic to kangaroos. In recent months this toxicity has had catastrophic impacts with eastern grey kangaroos succumbing in record numbers. The toxins from this grass cause irreversible neurological damage, limiting their mobility and causing them to display ‘drunk-like’ behaviour. These cases are complex, time-consuming and resource heavy, and heartbreaking to witness.  
 
This year we have seen a 400% increase in reports of kangaroos suffering from Phalaris poisoning. We have raised the matter with the Environment Minister’s office, are working collaboratively with Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to respond to impacted kangaroos on public land, and we continue to collect data on kangaroos impacted by Phalaris poisoning so that our advocacy is evidence-based. 

Spring 

We have already seen a very busy start to spring, with many orphaned birds and possum joeys requiring assistance. Demand for our wildlife emergency services increase exponentially over this time of year, but our staff and volunteers are well-prepared for the influx. 

Saving lives together

Sometimes, with all the threats that wildlife is facing, the situation can seem hopeless, and it is easy to feel disheartened.  

However, even in moments of despair, I find inspiration in the incredible kindness and dedication of our wildlife rescuers, carers, veterinary staff and Emergency Response Operators. Our community is full of people who care deeply about native animals and are working tirelessly to help improve outcomes for our precious, unique wildlife. Every day I get to work with passionate people who are willing to go the extra mile to help animals in need. 

Just last month I was delighted to speak at BAT MASSIVE, an event Wildlife Victoria hosted with Abbotsford Convent to celebrate our native bat species. Thank you to everyone who came and showed their support. Meeting the passionate animal lovers and volunteers we have in our community fills me with so much for the future of our wildlife.

Lisa speaking at BAT MASSIVE. Photos by @duncographic.

The volume of calls that our Emergency Response Service receive continues to increase. This means that there are more and more animals requiring our help, but it also means that more and more Victorians care enough to pick up the phone and get assistance for wildlife in need.  

Our team are here, every day of the year, through every season and every weather event.  

Thank you to everyone who has called our Emergency Response Service for help for native animals. Together, we are saving lives. 

Remember to save our number in your phone and call us any time – day or night – for assistance or advice: (03) 8400 7300.