Recent heatwaves and increased holiday traffic have placed added pressure on wildlife, with many animals arriving in need of urgent care. Each patient arrives with their own story, and our team remains focused on one thing only, giving every animal the best possible chance to recover.
Here are just a few of the patients who have been in our care over the past few weeks.
🪶 A Yellow-bellied Glider’s Path to Recovery
This month, our veterinary team treated a female Yellow-bellied Glider who was brought into care after becoming caught on barbed wire, suffering painful injuries that required urgent treatment.
Barbed wire fences are a common but often hidden danger for gliding wildlife, particularly during periods of strong winds or storms. Following treatment for her injuries, she spent the weekend resting comfortably, closely monitored by our team and feeding on fresh eucalyptus leaves and flowers, along with insects such as moths, beetles and larvae.
She is not yet ready to return to her carer, but she is feeling much brighter, more comfortable and recovering well.
This is a fantastic outcome for a species listed as Vulnerable in NSW.
🐦 A Black-winged Petrel’s Journey Back to Sea
This month, our veterinary team treated a Black-winged Petrel who was brought into care after being found stranded on the beach.
On examination, this beautiful bird was found to have a small number of skin wounds beneath the left wing but was otherwise in very good condition. The wounds were gently cleaned with sterile saline to protect the feathers and support healing. Pain relief was administered and a short course of antibiotics was started.
Following initial treatment, the petrel was transferred to Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue for continued care and monitoring.
🐍 A Coastal Carpet Python Freed from a Sticky Trap
This Coastal Carpet Python was recently admitted to the hospital after becoming stuck on a sticky rat trap.
Our veterinary team carefully and safely freed the snake before carrying out a full assessment. Thankfully, no physical injuries were found. After being given the all clear, this lucky python was able to be released back into the wild the very same day.
You can watch his release back into the wild here…
🌿 Reflections from January
All wildlife care at Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital is provided free of charge. This work relies on the ongoing support of our community and helps ensure sick, injured and orphaned animals receive the care they need, when they need it most.
With a busy start to the year, we look forward to the months ahead and thank you for the support that helps us continue caring for native wildlife.
💚 The NRWH Team
Want to help patients like the ones you’ve just met? We invite you to become a HOSPITAL HERO today.
By becoming a Wildlife Hospital Hero, your monthly donation helps us treat more animals, stock vital medical supplies, and provide expert care to wildlife across the Northern Rivers.
