Every year, tens of thousands of Australia’s iconic native animals are reported as sick, injured or orphaned. Yet across Australia wildlife rescue is performed for free, by charities such as Wildlife Victoria and other small, localised groups of volunteers doing their best for our native wildlife. Rescue services remain scattered and underfunded, with no national framework in place for responding to wildlife emergencies.
Wildlife Victoria have joined with other wildlife care organisations to urge the government to commit to a national framework for wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation. We’re calling for national funding, consistent infrastructure, and a sustainable, efficient model that recognises wildlife rescue as a core public service. Australia’s unique wildlife faces growing challenges, and their care shouldn’t rely solely on goodwill.
The facts
- Sick, injured and orphaned wildlife require fast, professional care for burns, trauma, and other serious conditions, yet veterinary services – undertaken by local wildlife hospitals, general practice vets, and Wildlife Victoria’s Travelling Veterinary Service – are overwhelmed and under-resourced
- Once treated, recovery from injury often takes months of care, mostly provided by volunteer wildlife carers who receive little to no financial support
- Wildlife Victoria and partners are calling for a sustainable, integrated model that recognises wildlife rescue as a core public service
Key actions
January 2026 – Wildlife Victoria, in partnership with other organisations, completed a pre-budget submission to Treasury calling for a consultation into the wildlife sector to inform reform and cohesion.
November 2025 – More organisations join in supporting National Framework for Wildlife Protection, Rescue, Treatment & Rehabilitation, showcasing cross country support.
March 2025 – Wildlife Victoria initiated and co-ran the I vote for Wildlife campaign calling for additional funding to the sector and a national framework with backing from thousands of Australians across the country.
June 2021 – Wildlife Victoria made a submission to the 2021 review of the Wildlife Act 1975. This submission called for stronger protections and ethical management of wildlife, as well as legislation to support those who rescue and care for them.