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Rescuing Oiled Wildlife - What You Can Do!

Briefing information for the public

You can make the difference between an animal dying or surviving in an oil spill!

The chances of a oiled, sick or injured wild bird or mammal surviving can be increased by the response and actions of the person who finds it. This is how you can make a difference if you find a wild creature in distress.

Notify us immediately

Please telephone us, so rescue teams can be deployed to the area. State your location and best map reference point you have, e.g. GPS location or map grid reference.

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Stress kills

Stress is the biggest danger to wildlife in captivity. Being handled, petted and talked to are all unnatural and terrifying for them. It can even be fatal. Put them in a covered cardboard box (cage for mammals) and keep them DARK, QUIET and WARM. Hands off!

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Time is essential

To delay is dangerous. The faster we receive the animal and begin care, the better its chance of survival. Infections spread rapidly, fractures can start to heal in the wrong position, and even a day without food may be too much for the small and weak. Help conserve their energy by keeping them warm. Get them to help right away.

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Prevent further damage

Please don't try to treat the animals yourself. Unnecessary handling is stressful and may cause more damage. A small cardboard box will restrict movement and reduce the chance of further injury. Don't feed the animals until you talk to us first. Orphaned mammals in particular are very sensitive to changes in diet and cow's milk upsets their system.

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Protect yourself

Wild birds and mammals can be dangerous especially when cornered and injured. Please phone us to discuss the situation and find out how to proceed safely. In some cases, such as fledgling birds, your help may not be necessary. We may be able to resolve the problem over the phone. We can instruct you on proper methods of capturing and transporting, and give emergency care instructions when needed.

Please note: Some birds may become aggressive, or even fake injuries if they believe their young are under threat or to protect nests. For example, a breeding pair of oystercatchers will attempt to distract a predator or intruder from their eggs or chicks by running away from the nest, hanging one wing loosely to the ground as if it were broken.

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If you find oiled or stranded seals, whales or dolphins:

Do not attempt to remove the animal or return it to the water. Seals and sea lions temporarily "haul out" on land to rest, and mothers briefly leave their pups while at sea.
A beached whale or dolphin should be reported immediately.
Observe the animal from a distance of at least 10 metres. Keep people, dogs and wildlife scavengers away.
Note the physical characteristics, like size, tail shape, length, colour, teeth or baleen for whales, external ears and fur colour for seals. This will help us determine the species and what rescue equipment and volunteers are needed.
If the mammal is dehydrating, wet it down with buckets of water and in hot sun, keep it shaded.
Do not allow water, sand or any other object to enter the blow hole on whales and dolphins.
Note condition of animal. Is it weak and gaunt? Any open wounds?
Does it have any identification tags or markings?
Determine the exact location of the animal for accurate directions. We can't rescue the animal if we can't find it.
Stay to assist our rescue team if you can.
Marine mammals are protected by Federal and State laws. It is illegal for unauthorised persons to handle or harass them.

For further information and comments please email Environment Protection Standards

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last updated: 23 October 2003