Injured Wildlife in Sydney
What to do if you find a baby bird:
The best thing to do is place the bird back up in the nest if possible.
If this is not possible, place the bird in a dark, warm box and if it is uninjured contact Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services on 9413 4300 or WIRES on 1300 094 737 ASAP and they will organise to send out a carer.
For injured birds, mammals or reptiles:
Read more on wildlife
Unfortunately, we live in a built-up area where occasionally our native wildlife comes off second best against cars, our pets, windows or even to extremes in the weather.
If you find a sick, injured or an orphaned animal, whether it be a native animal or a pet, similar principles apply.
Remove any threat to the animal, this includes keeping all people and pets away from the animal, to minimise stress for you to collect and take to your local vet or until a wildlife rescuer arrives.
If it is a baby bird, as long as it is in no danger, watch from a distance and wait to see if the parents are around, as they may be watching and will come down to feed the baby.
If injured the animal will need to see a vet to be assessed and treated. If you have available, wear appropriate PPE, including gloves when touching any animal, gently place a towel over the animal and place it in a ventilated box with a lid and transport it carefully to the nearest vet or wait for the wildlife rescuer to arrive. After placing the animal in a box you should immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.
Do not give the animal water or food, unless instructed to by a vet or a wildlife rescuer. As they can be killed easily by aspirating water, milk or being fed the wrong foods. It is best to get them to a vet as soon as possible.
Please note the EXACT location where the animal was found. Many young animals can possibly be reunited with their parents if we know the location. Many native animals are also very territorial and it is critical that we release them where they were found, when they are ready to release, to ensure their best chance of survival.
Please DO NOT approach snakes, monitor lizards, bats, large kangaroos or raptors such as eagles, falcons or hawks. As these animals require expert handling and MUST be rescued by trained wildlife rescuers.
If the animal is uninjured but you are concerned please call WIRES 1300 094 737 or Sydney Wildlife rescue/advise line on 9413 4300 to discuss further.
7 Sydney Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney
Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience
Newtown
Open 7 Days
Inner West
Open 7 Days
Norwest
Open 7 Days
Kellyville
Open 7 Days
Baulkham Hills
Open 7 Days
Newport
Open 7 Days
Avalon
Open 6 Days
7 Sydney Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney
Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience
