As Cyclone Alfred approaches the Northern Rivers, the Northern Rivers Wildlife Network (NRWN) is working together to ensure both people and wildlife stay safe during this extreme weather event.
Your safety comes first—please follow SES warnings and avoid unnecessary travel. Severe storms, strong winds, and flooding will impact not only our communities but also the native wildlife that share our region. If you come across an injured animal, please do not put yourself at risk. Instead, contact a trained wildlife carer who can provide the appropriate care.
Veterinary Closures Due to Cyclone Alfred
Many wildlife veterinary clinics are closed until at least Saturday due to the severe weather:
🚫 North Coast Emergency Vets (NCES)
🚫 Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
🚫 Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital
🚫 Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (not yet open)
🚫 Vitality Vetcare
If you find an injured animal, do not take them to these clinics at this time. Instead, call a licensed wildlife rescue organisation for guidance.
Who to Call for Wildlife Rescue
📲 Find your nearest wildlife carer using the IFAW Wildlife Rescue App, which provides up-to-date contact details for wildlife organisations in your area.
The following local wildlife organisations may be able to assist if safe to do so.
📞 Wildlife Rescue Contacts:
📍 WIRES Northern Rivers: 1300 094 737
📍 Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers: 02 6628 1866
📍 Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers: 02 6672 4789
📍 Friends of the Koala: 02 6622 1233
📍 Aus. Seabird & Turtle Rescue: 0428 862 852
How Extreme Weather Affects Wildlife
Heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding can displace, injure, or put wildlife at risk.
Wildlife may be injured, unwell, in distress, disoriented, scared, defensive.
Your safety takes priority- do not attempt to rescue wildlife if conditions are unsafe.
Do not attempt to handle:
- Flying Foxes or microbats
- Lace monitors
- Raptors- including eagles, kites, hawks, falcons, bazas
- Snakes- even if you suspect it to be a non-venomous species
- Koalas
- Large macropods- including kangaroos & wallabies
- Adult possums
If you find an injured or unwell wild animal:
- Use a large, clean towel to carefully wrap up the animal, ensuring its head and limbs are securely covered.
- Place the animal with towel in a pet carrier or cardboard box with ventilation holes.
- Place the carrier or box in a warm room with minimal lighting and noise, away from pets and children.
- Call your local wildlife rescue organisation for further directions.
DO NOT provide food or water
DO NOT attempt to pet, cuddle, or otherwise interact with rescued wildlife
DO NOT keep any wildlife for more than 24hrs (unless conditions prevent its transportation to or by a wildlife rescue organisation or veterinary hospital)
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Network is made up of multiple organisations working together to support wildlife and the community, particularly in emergencies like this. The NRWN includes:
- Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue
- Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital
- Friends of the Koala
- Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc
- Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital
- Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers Inc
- Vitality Vetcare
- Wires Northern Rivers & Clarence Valley
- With thanks to IFAW supporting the Network’s coordination efforts in disasters
Donate to Help Our Cause
Our organisations are preparing right now to respond to the crisis—but we need your help!
DONATE TODAY: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-australian-wildlife-recover-from-cyclone-alfred
Your donation will directly support:
✅ Lifesaving veterinary care for injured wildlife
✅ Urgent medical supplies to treat wounds and illness
✅ Emergency feeding and housing for displaced animals
✅ Rescue efforts to ensure no animal is left behind
✅ Equipping our organisations with the tools they need to save lives.
Every dollar makes a difference! By donating today, you are helping wildlife rescuers and veterinarians be ready to act.
Please give what you can to help our wildlife survive and recover. All donations raised will be distributed responsibly and equally to all organisations within our network.
By following safety guidelines and contacting the right people for help, we can all play a role in protecting both our native animals and each other during this extreme weather event.
