Tasmanian wildlife to benefit from extra expert care

Sydney, 1 February 2023 – Injured, sick, or orphaned Australian wildlife have been given a greater chance at life back in the wild with expert care now available in Tasmania seven days a week.

IFAW provided critical resources for an additional veterinarian and veterinary nurse at Bonorong Wildlife Hospital in Tasmania to increase its operating hours to seven days a week.

This critical support means wildlife can receive immediate and potentially life-saving treatment—no matter the day of the week.

“Seriously injured wildlife cannot afford to wait to receive medical attention. For the best chances of survival and ultimately, life back in the wild, they need immediate specialised care,” IFAW Animal Rescue Officer Robert Leach said.

“Tasmania is home to some of Australia’s most unique wildlife—but it is also infamously known as the roadkill capital of the world. Every bit of support helps injured animals receive the care they need ensuring Tasmania’s wildlife thrives into the future.”

The specialist IFAW vet team at Bonorong sees about 120 animals a week – with most sick, injured, or orphaned as a result of human activities. This includes car collisions and entanglement with fishing lines, six-pack rings, bird netting, and string.

A recent case admitted to the hospital was Fern, a critically endangered swift parrot. She was found by a member of the public after flying into a window and was assessed by the IFAW vet team.

After a thorough assessment including a flight test, physical exam, x-rays, and a blood test, the team concluded she suffered from bruising and a concussion. Fern made a full recovery and was released back to the wild.

“This was a huge relief given the species’ critically endangered status. To know that wildlife can now get the veterinary help they need on any given day has been a dream of ours for some time now and we thank IFAW again for making this possible. These additional veterinary hours will have a positive impact on wildlife patients in need and will further increase their chances of survival, particularly those suffering from time-critical injuries,” Bonorong Wildlife Hospital Manager Petra Harris said.

ENDS

Notes:

Bonorong Wildlife Hospital is Tasmania’s first and largest wildlife-only hospital. With support from IFAW, it opened its doors in 2018, and the clinic has, until now, been operating five days a week.

Press contact

IFAW Australia
m: 0460 432 901
e: dmack@ifaw.org