Authorisation conditions

Objective

To ensure that wildlife that requires specialist care, treatment and rehabilitation, receives it.

How to comply

Authorised wildlife rehabilitators can rehabilitate most native wildlife indigenous to Australia or its territorial waters. However, whales, dolphins, seals, marine turtles and platypus require highly specialised care facilities and trained personnel to be rehabilitated successfully.

The following actions are recommended if you encounter animals not covered by your authorisation:

Exotic and Pest Animals

(E.g. established pests like foxes and exotic pests like Boa Constrictors, Red Eared Slider Turtles, Hedgehogs, Squirrels and Corn Snakes). You are not authorised to care for, keep, sell or release pest animals. It is an offence under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to import, keep or sell pest animals. If you encounter a pest animal, call DEECA on 136 186 to report it.

Introduced wildlife

(E.g. deer, non-indigenous quail, pheasants and partridges). These animals are introduced wildlife in Victoria and must not be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Cats and dogs

Call your local council for assistance.

Livestock

(E.g. sheep, goats, cattle). Call your local council for assistance (or police if out of hours).

Whales and dolphins

Contact the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline on 1300 137 017 to report a stranded or injured whale or dolphin.

Seals or marine turtles

Contact the DEECA Customer Contact Centre on 136 186, or the AGL Marine Response Unit on 0447 158 676.

Platypus

Contact Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital on (03) 5957 2829 to transfer the animal to their care. If this is not available, contact the DEECA Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

Marine birds

(E.g. penguins, petrels and pelicans). These animals are best cared for in specialised facilities by trained personnel. Wherever possible, in the best interests of the animal, provide all marine birds to the Phillip Island Nature Parks available on (03) 5951 2800, or the Melbourne Zoo via the AGL Marine Response Unit available on 0447 158 676.
 

Objective

This is a legislative requirement so that Authorised Officers can ensure the laws, regulations and conditions of your authorisation, that protect animal welfare and biosecurity, are adhered to.

How to comply

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers are authorised by law to undertake compliance and enforcement activities under the Wildlife Act 1975 (the Wildlife Act) and other relevant Victorian laws. Some Authorised Officers are authorised under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and so can also enforce the provisions of this Act.

Officer Powers

Under the Wildlife Act, Authorised Officers have the power to, at any reasonable time, and having regard to the circumstances:

• Enter, inspect or search any property and any buildings or structures other than a dwelling, as well as vehicles or boats for the purposes of the Wildlife Act, with or without notice.
• Ask to see, inspect or take photos of any wildlife held under your authorisation or wildlife licence.
• Ask to see, inspect or make copies of record books and any other documentation associated with your authorisation or wildlife licence.
• Inspect any parcel, bag or receptacle the officer reasonably believes either is being used or is likely to be used in contravention of the Act (e.g. a cardboard box they believe holds wildlife; a hunter’s bags or esky).
• Investigate reports of alleged illegal activity relating to wildlife.
• Seize wildlife in your care if the officer reasonably believes an offence against the Act has been, is being, or is about to be, committed.

Inspections

Inspections are usually, but not always, conducted by uniformed officers. Officers will always show you official identification. If identification is not offered, you should ask to see it. An Authorised Officer will generally approach you to inform you of the purpose of their visit and seek cooperation.

To enter any part of a premises used only for residential purposes, an Authorised Officer must have permission of the occupier or another person who apparently represents the occupier.

However, as part of your authorisation conditions, upon request from an Authorised Officer, wildlife rehabilitators must give reasonable access to wildlife held under their authorisation, including wildlife being held within your home.

Participating in an inspection does not mean that you have done anything wrong. Inspections are often conducted to monitor general compliance trends among authorisation holders.

Authorised Officers will often arrange a time to meet with you for a routine inspection, however can also inspect your property without notice for the purposes of monitoring compliance with authorisation conditions.

Wildlife rehabilitator rights and obligations

As an authorisation holder, you have certain rights and obligations.

If requested, you must:

• Give the Authorised Officer your name and address.
• Allow an Authorised Officer to inspect wildlife held by you (including inside your house at any reasonable time) for monitoring compliance with the Wildlife Act, regulations or conditions of your authorisation. Failure to provide reasonable access to all wildlife held under a wildlife rehabilitator authorisation may result in the cancellation of your authorisation.
• Produce your authorisation or record book for inspection.
• Allow the Authorised Officer to search your vehicle, boat or property.
• Surrender anything the Authorised Officer tells you is seized.
• Comply with the conditions of any retention notice issued for wildlife in your possession.
• Not obstruct, threaten or abuse an Authorised Officer during his or her duty.
• Under the conditions of your authorisation, follow any verbal or written direction from an Authorised Officer relating to your authorisation.

Your rights

• You may ask to see an Authorised Officer’s identification.
• You do not have to answer any questions that you think might incriminate you.
• If you are to be interviewed about an offence, you will be informed of your rights. You must, however, state your full name and correct address if asked.
• You may request a receipt for anything seized from you (including wildlife).
• You may request that an officer visit your home at a more reasonable time.

For further information about compliance and enforcement, wildlife rehabilitators are encouraged to contact a local Conservation Regulator Authorised Officer for assistance.
 

Objective

To ensure that wildlife you receive or acquire is correctly assessed to determine the best possible treatment options. Inaccurate examination can result in undiagnosed or incorrectly treated ailments which can significantly impact on the animal’s health and welfare.

How to comply

Establish a working relationship with a local veterinarian willing to provide veterinary care for wildlife. Most wildlife taken into shelters is frightened, stressed, disorientated and may be in pain.

Seek initial advice via telephone if you are in a remote location and cannot immediately get the wildlife assessed.

Some information on capture and basic first aid is provided in Appendix 2.

Objective

To ensure that diseases and parasites are not transmitted between wildlife in care. 

How to comply

Prepare separate quarantine enclosures to house individual sick or injured wildlife. 

Regularly clean enclosures and equipment with hospital grade disinfectant. Clean quarantine areas last, and don’t allow drainage into ‘clean’ areas. Use quarantine procedures (e.g. disinfectant footbaths, separate protective clothing, equipment disinfection etc.) 

Separate treatment and food preparation facilities between quarantine and ‘clean’ areas. Disinfect hands, footwear and equipment when leaving quarantine areas. 

If there is a disease outbreak (e.g. botulism in birds) please report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24 hours).

Objective

To ensure that diseases and parasites are not transmitted between wildlife in care.

How to comply

Prepare separate quarantine enclosures to house individual sick or injured wildlife.

Regularly clean enclosures and equipment with hospital grade disinfectant. Clean quarantine areas last, and don’t allow drainage into ‘clean’ areas. Use quarantine procedures (e.g. disinfectant footbaths, separate protective clothing, equipment disinfection etc.).

Separate treatment and food preparation facilities between quarantine and ‘clean’ areas. Disinfect hands, footwear and equipment when leaving quarantine areas.

If there is a disease outbreak (e.g. botulism in birds) please report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24 hours).
 

Objective

To ensure that diseases and parasites are not transmitted between wildlife in care, and to prevent diseases and parasites from being transmitted to wildlife populations from released rehabilitated wildlife.

How to comply

Seek advice and, if possible, a direct assessment of wildlife before releasing them from quarantine.

Objective

To ensure rescued wildlife are appropriately cared for and rehabilitated for release back into the wild.

How to comply

Network with other wildlife shelters to get advice and training in the care of species that you are unfamiliar with and to coordinate rescues. Your local Conservation Regulator Authorised Officer can assist you by providing information on shelters in your local area.

It is recommended that you request advice on the care of species in writing (i.e. written or email) to ensure you have a record to provide to Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers on request.
 

Objective

To ensure that only qualified persons undertake surgical treatment of wildlife and provision of restricted medicines.

How to comply

Surgical treatment is “the treatment of injuries or disorders of the body by incision or manipulation, especially with instruments”.

Examples of procedures that must only be conducted by a veterinarian include:

• Anaesthesia or sedation
• Surgery, including setting bones (splinting and plastering of limbs and tails) and suturing skin
• Injections given into veins
• Injections given into bone cavities

If you are not sure whether a procedure would be considered surgical treatment, the following questions should be considered:

• Does it entail entering a body cavity of the animal? (A body cavity is any ‘hollow space’ or enclosed cavity and includes the abdominal cavity, thoracic cavity, pelvic cavity, cranial and spinal canal, teeth cavities, orbit and eye, tympanic cavity, joint spaces and other synovial cavities)
• Is there a potential for pain or stress to the animal if it is not done properly?
• Is there potential for unnecessary or inappropriate management or treatment because of misdiagnosis?
• Is there a potential for spreading disease?
• Does it involve decisions on the use of medicines?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then the procedure should be conducted by a registered veterinary practitioner.

Performing surgical treatment on animals is a breach of this condition and an offence under the Wildlife Act. It may also constitute an offence under the POCTA Act.

There are also strict laws that govern the use of veterinary drugs in Victoria. A person can only administer Schedule 4, 8 or 9 poisons, where supplied for the treatment of an animal by a veterinarian. These poisons include certain types of antibiotics, sedatives, muscle relaxants, anaesthetics and anti-inflammatories, amongst others.

Possessing or administering Schedule 4, 8 or 9 poisons without veterinary direction may constitute an offence under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017.
 

Objective

To prevent animals experiencing extended or significant pain and to ensure that injured, sick and orphaned wildlife can be successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Threatened species are a priority for rehabilitation and therefore are exempt from some of the euthanasia requirements, as listed above. However, threatened species experiencing unreasonable and/or incurable pain, distress, trauma, sickness or injury must be promptly euthanised in accordance with Condition 10 and Condition 11.

How to comply

Euthanise wildlife that you receive or acquire that will continue to experience declining animal welfare if it remains alive. For example, the following must be euthanised:

• Wildlife that have an incurable (able to be treated but not cured) infectious disease.
• Wildlife that are unable to adjust to temporary care
• Wildlife with chronic ill health.

Wildlife should be released from care as soon as possible after rehabilitation. While some injuries take time to heal, long periods in captivity can place significant stress on wildlife and result in the loss of survival skills, increased familiarity and dependence on humans, a loss of instinctual fear of domestic pets and the risk that the wildlife’s space in the wild will become occupied. The sooner wildlife can be rehabilitated and released, the greater their chance of survival.

Wildlife must be fully rehabilitated before being released. The risks of releasing wildlife not fully rehabilitated include starvation because they don’t know how to locate food, harassment and competition from other animals, injuries or death from interactions with hostile resident wildlife or predators (e.g. cats) that they don’t know to fear, or exposure to the elements due to their inability to find shelter. If wildlife is unable to be rehabilitated the responsible decision (although difficult) is to euthanise it to prevent further pain.

Before attempting to rehabilitate an animal, the long-term welfare of the individual must be carefully considered. The stress of treating the animal must be justified, taking into consideration resource availability and potential for future population management at the release site.

Hand-rearing young

Although hand-rearing young animals can be a rewarding experience, it should be carefully considered as it may not be the most humane option for the animal in the long-term.

Survival rates of very young animals that come into care are low. This is particularly true for mammals who are not developed to a stage where their eyes are open, ears are up, or have not yet developed fur.

It is difficult for marsupials of this development stage to develop a strong immune system without their mother. Attempts to hand-rear marsupials at this development stage often results in abnormalities of their immune system. This compromises the health and wellbeing of the animal as it is unable to defend itself sufficiently against infection and the development of disease.

Hand-reared animals also have a higher death rate in the wild than wild animals, as it is very difficult for humans to teach young animals all the necessary survival skills and behaviours. This means that once the animal is released it may struggle to integrate into wild populations or be disadvantaged when competing for food, territory and mates. Hand-reared animals often fall prey to predators, as they have not learnt to recognise predators such as dogs and foxes and therefore do not have the appropriate flight response to escape.

Hand-reared animals may also become dangerous as adults. Due to their familiarity with humans, they may attack people if they think the person has food.
 

Objective

To ensure the timely and humane euthanasia of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife that should not be rehabilitated.

How to comply

Overdose by a barbiturate anaesthetic is the preferred method of euthanasia and, under the requirements of the Veterinary Practice Act 1997 and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017, must only be performed by registered veterinary practitioners.

Registered veterinary practitioners should be utilised where euthanasia is required wherever possible, however you should also ensure that you are able and prepared to euthanise wildlife in accordance with Condition 11 when required.
 

Objective

To ensure that only appropriate methods of euthanasia are used to minimise pain, discomfort and distress.

How to comply

Euthanasia is a core role of wildlife rehabilitators, and is an important tool in ensuring the welfare of wildlife. Ensure that you only use humane and safe methods when you are undertaking euthanasia of wildlife.

Euthanasia should be carried out in accordance with relevant codes of practice (e.g. the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-commercial Purposes).

The method of euthanasia must quickly render the animal unconscious, rapidly followed by death. The animal can be stunned and rendered unconscious by a hard, sharp blow to the skull. Stunning must be followed immediately by either blunt force trauma that destroys the brain, cervical dislocation, decapitation or exsanguination. The method used must be appropriate for the size and species of the animal. Ensure that you have received appropriate training in the method of euthanasia before attempting to euthanise an animal.

Contact an experienced wildlife rehabilitator for assistance if a veterinarian is not available and you are unsure of your ability to safely and humanely euthanise an animal.

Euthanasia via firearms

Firearms are an acceptable method of euthanasia, but should only be used when safe to do so. Firearms must only be used by holders of an appropriate firearms licence, in accordance with the Firearms Act 1996. Depending on the location, a Public Place Permit (police.vic.gov.au/public-place-permits(opens in a new window)) from Victoria Police may be required.

Wherever possible when using firearms for euthanasia, wildlife should be euthanised by a shot to the brain. Where a shot to the brain is impractical or unsafe, a shot to the heart/lung area is permissible.

Injured wildlife may be euthanised safely via firearm by local police.

Roadside euthanasia of injured wildlife

If injured wildlife are found on or near a road and require euthanasia then the method of euthanasia needs to be carefully considered.

Under Section 130 of the Firearms Act 1996, it is an offence to carry or use a firearm on any thoroughfare or place open to or used by the public for passage with vehicles. You may choose to apply for a Public Place Permit (police.vic.gov.au/public-place-permits(opens in a new window)) from the Victoria Police to allow the use of a firearm on or near a road by a person with a firearms licence. However, the decision of whether to grant a Public Place Permit is up to the discretion of the Victoria Police. The application process is also unlikely to be completed in an appropriate timeframe for humane euthanasia of the injured wildlife using a firearm.

Other options that could be considered include:

• Capture and transport of the injured wildlife to another location for euthanasia with a firearm.
• Contact Victoria Police for assistance.
• Contact a registered Veterinary Practitioner for assistance.
• Contact Victoria Police or the road manager (the Shire or VicRoads) if it is a road hazard.
• Euthanasia by blunt force trauma. This should be done away from the view of the public if possible. This must be done by a heavy blow to the base of the skull with sufficient force to destroy the brain. Please note that large kangaroos can be very difficult to euthanise using this technique.

Confirmation of euthanasia

Examine all euthanised wildlife carefully to confirm that it has died before disposing of the carcass. To check that death has occurred, ensure you check all the following (in sequential order):

Heart has stopped beating

Check for at least 20 seconds, don’t use your thumb as you may detect your own pulse. The best place to feel varies among species, seek veterinary advice if unsure:

Employ a second euthanasia method if there is any doubt about confirmation of death.

Reptiles, turtles, and amphibians are remarkably resilient and can remain inert for hours, especially when in distress. To ensure euthanasia, place the animal in a secure place after euthanasia and check for movement periodically over the course of 24 hours (if necessary draw a chalk outline around the body).  
 

Objective

To prevent secondary poisoning and spread of disease to other animals and people.

How to comply

Carcasses of wildlife euthanised by barbiturates should be disposed of via burial or incineration to prevent secondary poisoning by scavengers (e.g. dogs, ravens, hawks).

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) may be present in bats. Euthanised bats (including any secretions and excretions) should be disposed of via incineration or, if this is not possible, by burial. Handle all animals with care and wear personal protective equipment to avoid potential ABLV exposure.

The carcasses of wildlife infected with sarcoptic mange (e.g. koalas or wombats) must be disposed of by burial or incineration to ensure other animals do not become infected by mange.

Please note that some wildlife shelters are authorised to variation of Condition 12 in lieu of licensed arrangements for third party disposal.

Objective

The fate of individual animals can have serious impacts on the conservation of threatened species. Any threatened species entering rehabilitation can provide useful information to DEECA about population dynamics and threats to the species. If the wildlife is unable to be rehabilitated, the Conservation Regulator may arrange for it to be placed into a captive-breeding program or a zoological institution.

How to comply

A list of threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 is available on the DEECA website at environment.vic.gov.au/conserving-threatened-species/threatened-list(opens in a new window).

You must notify your local Conservation Regulator Authorised Officer immediately if you receive or acquire a threatened species. Please contact your local Conservation Regulator Authorised Officer if you are unsure of an animal’s conservation status – please see contact list in Appendix 1(opens in a new window).
 

Table 2       Birds – Outdoor enclosures

Outdoor enclosures should be constructed in a way that every bird is able at all times to perch or roost in a place that is sheltered from the wind, rain and sun; whether by solid construction or cladding on the roof and walls, or by roosts covered by dense vegetation within the enclosure. If by solid construction or cladding of roof and walls, at least one-third of the total area should be covered; including a continuous area of three walls to form a shelter against winds. At least three- quarters of the area of one wall should be open weave mesh. The minimum height to the top of the enclosure should not be <1.5m above ground level to allow birds to escape harassment by predators.

Table 3 Wading Birds

Wading Birds require shallow areas providing soft substrate and natural feeding opportunities. Failure to provide these conditions may lead to chronic foot problems.

Table 4 Reptiles

Heating in reptile enclosures is essential – the temperatures needed will depend on the species of reptile and its natural environment. Snakes longer than 2.5 metres require a minimum area of half their length squared. 

Table 5 Mammals

Table 6 Nest boxes

Leadbeater’s Possums, Sugar Gliders and Squirrel Gliders prefer nesting in family groups. A choice of two boxes is recommended to accommodate individuals ejected after social disputes.

Objective 

To ensure that wildlife undergoing rehabilitation are contained in appropriately sized enclosures that minimise stress and allow free movement and natural behaviours. 

How to comply 

The specifications give the minimum enclosure sizes for wildlife held under the authorisation. Enclosures must meet or exceed the specifications. Further information about how to calculate the floor area and identify the height, width, length, radius and diameter of some common shapes as well as some worked examples are provided in Appendix 2. 

The minimum enclosure sizes provided in the condition are applicable for the majority of instances that wildlife require care. In certain circumstances, the objective of care may be to minimise movement, and a smaller enclosure may be needed. If this is the case, ensure that you can justify the need (for example with written advice from a veterinarian) and that the justification and stage of rehabilitation are clear in your records.

Objective

Enclosures that protect wildlife from disturbance and allow natural behaviours during rehabilitation are essential for animals to learn/relearn the behaviours necessary for them to survive in the wild post-release. Security and comfort decreases stress and hastens recovery.

Protection from harmful external factors is essential to maintain welfare and to prevent a health decline. Separation from the sight, sound and smell of domestic animals is essential, as it prevents transmission of disease and infections, prevents stress, and ensures that the wildlife’s natural instinct to recognise and avoid predators (e.g. dogs and cats) is maintained.

How to comply

Enclosures should provide opportunities for complete recovery from injuries and for learning and practicing behaviours such as foraging, hunting, climbing or flying.

Wildlife must not be kept in human living spaces such as the kitchen, lounge room or bedroom, and should only be handled when necessary to avoid trauma, stress, or the wildlife becoming humanised. Relatives, friends and visitors must not handle wildlife unless volunteering at the shelter and the handling is necessary for the care of the animal. Taming reduces the survival chances of rehabilitated wildlife on release. Wildlife is often not suitable for release if it doesn’t display instinctual fear and avoidance towards humans and domestic pets.

Enclosures must not be on public display, must be kept away from people and domestic animals, and sheltered from the weather. Noise should be minimised and enclosures must be kept clean, hygienic and clear of obstacles or hazards. Wildlife that form social groups in the wild should be housed with wildlife of an appropriate age and gender of the same species. Wildlife should be individually identifiable when housed together.

Avoid mixed-species housing whenever possible and, when mixed-species housing is necessary (such as in pre-release bird aviaries), ensure only compatible species are housed together.  New additions to a wildlife group should be monitored closely for the first few days to ensure the safety of these animals and other individuals.

Enclosure design and furnishings should encourage the species’ natural pattern of foraging, play, rest or sleep, hiding, and social responses of other individuals of the same species.

Enclosures should:

• Be free from dangerous obstructions such as sharp points or edges
• Provide fresh air in a manner that avoids drafts, odours and water condensation
• Not be stacked in such a way that good ventilation is impaired
• Be well drained.

Indoor enclosures should be in rooms able to provide both heating and cooling; they should be kept well separate from normal household activity to ensure wildlife in care are not disturbed.

Outdoor enclosures need to provide for acclimatisation to weather, but also provide shelter from sun, wind and rain and protection from predators.

Solid physical barriers are the best way to keep animals (i.e. domestic and incompatible wildlife) separate.

Wire cages used to house birds should be covered internally with shade cloth or other appropriate material to prevent feather damage.

Objective

Enclosures that protect wildlife from disturbance and allow natural behaviours during rehabilitation are essential for animals to learn/relearn the behaviours necessary for them to survive in the wild post-release. Security and comfort decreases stress and hastens recovery.

Protection from harmful external factors is essential to maintain welfare and to prevent a health decline. Separation from the sight, sound and smell of domestic animals is essential, as it prevents transmission of disease and infections, prevents stress, and ensures that the wildlife’s natural instinct to recognise and avoid predators (e.g. dogs and cats) is maintained.

How to comply

Enclosures should provide opportunities for complete recovery from injuries and for learning and practicing behaviours such as foraging, hunting, climbing or flying.

Wildlife must not be kept in human living spaces such as the kitchen, lounge room or bedroom, and should only be handled when necessary to avoid trauma, stress, or the wildlife becoming humanised. Relatives, friends and visitors must not handle wildlife unless volunteering at the shelter and the handling is necessary for the care of the animal. Taming reduces the survival chances of rehabilitated wildlife on release. Wildlife is often not suitable for release if it doesn’t display instinctual fear and avoidance towards humans and domestic pets.

Enclosures must not be on public display, must be kept away from people and domestic animals, and sheltered from the weather. Noise should be minimised and enclosures must be kept clean, hygienic and clear of obstacles or hazards. Wildlife that form social groups in the wild should be housed with wildlife of an appropriate age and gender of the same species. Wildlife should be individually identifiable when housed together.

Avoid mixed-species housing whenever possible and, when mixed-species housing is necessary (such as in pre-release bird aviaries), ensure only compatible species are housed together.  New additions to a wildlife group should be monitored closely for the first few days to ensure the safety of these animals and other individuals.

Enclosure design and furnishings should encourage the species’ natural pattern of foraging, play, rest or sleep, hiding, and social responses of other individuals of the same species.

Enclosures should:

• Be free from dangerous obstructions such as sharp points or edges
• Provide fresh air in a manner that avoids drafts, odours and water condensation
• Not be stacked in such a way that good ventilation is impaired
• Be well drained.

Indoor enclosures should be in rooms able to provide both heating and cooling; they should be kept well separate from normal household activity to ensure wildlife in care are not disturbed.

Outdoor enclosures need to provide for acclimatisation to weather, but also provide shelter from sun, wind and rain and protection from predators.

Solid physical barriers are the best way to keep animals (i.e. domestic and incompatible wildlife) separate.

Wire cages used to house birds should be covered internally with shade cloth or other appropriate material to prevent feather damage.

Objective

Enclosures that protect wildlife from disturbance and allow natural behaviours during rehabilitation are essential for animals to learn/relearn the behaviours necessary for them to survive in the wild post-release. Security and comfort decreases stress and hastens recovery.

Protection from harmful external factors is essential to maintain welfare and to prevent a health decline. Separation from the sight, sound and smell of domestic animals is essential, as it prevents transmission of disease and infections, prevents stress, and ensures that the wildlife’s natural instinct to recognise and avoid predators (e.g. dogs and cats) is maintained.

How to comply

Enclosures should provide opportunities for complete recovery from injuries and for learning and practicing behaviours such as foraging, hunting, climbing or flying.

Wildlife must not be kept in human living spaces such as the kitchen, lounge room or bedroom, and should only be handled when necessary to avoid trauma, stress, or the wildlife becoming humanised. Relatives, friends and visitors must not handle wildlife unless volunteering at the shelter and the handling is necessary for the care of the animal. Taming reduces the survival chances of rehabilitated wildlife on release. Wildlife is often not suitable for release if it doesn’t display instinctual fear and avoidance towards humans and domestic pets.

Enclosures must not be on public display, must be kept away from people and domestic animals, and sheltered from the weather. Noise should be minimised and enclosures must be kept clean, hygienic and clear of obstacles or hazards. Wildlife that form social groups in the wild should be housed with wildlife of an appropriate age and gender of the same species. Wildlife should be individually identifiable when housed together.

Avoid mixed-species housing whenever possible and, when mixed-species housing is necessary (such as in pre-release bird aviaries), ensure only compatible species are housed together.  New additions to a wildlife group should be monitored closely for the first few days to ensure the safety of these animals and other individuals.

Enclosure design and furnishings should encourage the species’ natural pattern of foraging, play, rest or sleep, hiding, and social responses of other individuals of the same species.

Enclosures should:

• Be free from dangerous obstructions such as sharp points or edges
• Provide fresh air in a manner that avoids drafts, odours and water condensation
• Not be stacked in such a way that good ventilation is impaired
• Be well drained.

Indoor enclosures should be in rooms able to provide both heating and cooling; they should be kept well separate from normal household activity to ensure wildlife in care are not disturbed.

Outdoor enclosures need to provide for acclimatisation to weather, but also provide shelter from sun, wind and rain and protection from predators.

Solid physical barriers are the best way to keep animals (i.e. domestic and incompatible wildlife) separate.

Wire cages used to house birds should be covered internally with shade cloth or other appropriate material to prevent feather damage.

Objective

Wildlife entering rehabilitation are often stressed, injured or sick, and are therefore more susceptible to disease. Care facilities, enclosures and equipment must be kept in a sanitary condition to attempt to eliminate the chance for transmission of disease and parasites between wildlife.

How to comply

Ensure that all aspects of enclosures and housing, including nest boxes, bedding, substrate, perching, food and water bowls, are kept in a clean and hygienic condition.

Enclosures should be constructed to allow for easy cleaning and minimal handling of the wildlife. Ensure that the enclosures are structurally sound and constructed of materials that will not injure or be detrimental to the wildlife and are non-porous and waterproof to facilitate cleaning and disinfection. Disinfection can only be ensured when organic material has been completely cleaned off equipment and surfaces first.

Excreta, uneaten food and soiled materials should be removed at least daily, and should be disposed of in accordance with local laws and in a way that limits any access by other animals, in order to minimise pest infestation, odours and disease hazards.

Objective

To ensure wildlife in care obtain a diet of sufficient nutrition, and that allows them to recover, aiding their rehabilitation and eventual release back to the wild.

How to comply

Ensure that you know the dietary and nutritional requirements of the species that come into your care. Diet refers to the type and amount of food the wildlife generally eat; nutrition refers to the nutrients and other substances required by the wildlife. These may alter depending on the age of the wildlife, its injuries and its treatment.

If you are unsure of the requirements of wildlife that comes into your care, check Further resources, check Appendix 1, seek advice from a registered veterinary practitioner or a wildlife shelter authorisation holder experienced in the species (e.g. Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital), or contact your local Conservation Regulator Authorised Officer.

Provide food and water at a frequency, quality and level appropriate to the species. To prevent transmission of disease, food and water should not be accessible to other animals.

Objective

The primary goal of rehabilitation is to restore sick, injured or orphaned wildlife to full health and return them as quickly as possible to the wild.

This condition is in place to prevent wildlife from becoming familiar with humans. Several studies have shown that human familiarity and habituation can impact the ability of wildlife to survive in the wild post release. Stress caused by prolonged exposure to humans can also significantly impact on wildlife health and the ability to recover during rehabilitation.

How to comply

Display means showing the actual animal to a person. Display does not include photography, video and sharing of images on social media, where taken in line with this condition. Only show wildlife under your care to a registered veterinarian or a regular volunteer as needed for their care. Ensure that only those authorised to care for wildlife and directly involved in caring for wildlife held under your authorisation have access to areas in which the wildlife is being held and the wildlife themselves.

No prior written approval from the Conservation Regulator is required for photography, including video and sharing of images on social media and for fundraising activities, provided the below criteria are met:

• Photographs must only be taken by the authorisation holder or regular volunteers, of animals in their care. For example, an authorisation holder may ask a regular volunteer to photograph an animal while they are providing necessary care.
• No one other than the authorisation holder, vet or regular volunteers may be present or may handle wildlife in your care. A volunteer is considered a person who regularly takes care of wildlife at that address on behalf of and/or as directed by the authorisation holder.
• Disturbance must be kept to a minimum.
• Photography must be taken in an appropriate care setting, e.g. within a suitable enclosure.
• Photography must cease immediately if an animal shows signs of stress.

The Conservation Regulator strongly discourages any activity that causes unnecessary stress to animals being rehabilitated. The following are not appropriate under any circumstances:

• Photographs must not be staged in any way.
• Under no circumstances should animals be dressed in costumes.
• Flash photography or excessive artificial light for display or photography.
• Wildlife that require euthanasia should never be photographed or filmed, and their care must be attended to immediately in line with conditions 9, 10 and 11 of your authorisation.

Wildlife must not be taken off-site to any location other than for vet care or for transfer to another facility for care or release to the wild upon successful rehabilitation.

Remember that under conditions 15, 16 and 17 of your authorisation, you must keep wildlife in suitable enclosures, separate to domestic animals and human living spaces.

Where the media is seeking an interview with an authorisation holder, provided that no images or video are taken of wildlife, the media may interview an authorisation holder without any prior written approval from the Conservation Regulator. Note that any interview must occur in a way that meets the above conditions and does not disturb any wildlife in care.

When is prior written approval required?

All applications for prior written approval to display wildlife must be submitted via an online form and may take up to 14 days to assess. You will need to specify the reason for the display, the animal that will be displayed, its injuries and treatment, when and where the display will occur. You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your request to display wildlife in your care.

Note that the Conservation Regulator will not issue approval to display wildlife retrospectively. Prior written approval must be obtained.

As a guide, prior written approval is required for the following:

• Filming or photography undertaken by a third party for any reason including print, television or social media. For example, where the media would like to take photos or video of wildlife under rehabilitation, prior written approval from the Conservation Regulator is required.
• Attendance at your address of a person not directly involved in the care of the wildlife, to show them the wildlife, for any reason including education or tourism.

Approval may be granted to display wildlife undergoing rehabilitation in a manner outside the criteria outlined above, if the disturbance is minimal and displaying of wildlife is found to be in the public interest.

Application for approval to display wildlife – Shelter or Foster carer

vic.gov.au/wildlife-rehabilitation-shelters-and-foster-carers(opens in a new window)

Objective

To ensure that released wildlife are given the best possible chance for survival, protect animal welfare, and limit possible detrimental effects from the released wildlife on the ecology of the release site.

How to comply

The further away from the point of capture that rehabilitated wildlife is released, the less likely it is that it will survive. This can be due to a range of factors including lack of appropriate habitat, increased numbers of predators, differing social structures (e.g. ‘dominant’ wildlife already present in the release area harassing the released wildlife) or lack of an existing population (i.e. for social species).

The release of wildlife outside their known individual range is not allowed due to animal welfare concerns and the significant risks such releases pose to resident populations through genetic contamination, disease and parasite spread, and negative impacts on their social structure.

To prevent disease transmission and to protect animal welfare, wildlife must be released within the individual animal’s home range of the original capture site. If the site is unknown/unsuitable, then the animal must be euthanised.

The home range (also known as ‘territory’) of an animal refers to the area in which an animal lives and travels. The size of an animal’s home range varies between species. For more information on home ranges for specific species, rehabilitators can refer to information available in reference books or through internet sources. including those found in Further resources.

To assist in determining fitness for release, wildlife is ready for release when it:

• Exhibits full recovery from the original injury or illness
• Has no permanent physical impairment that may affect its chances of survival in the wild
• Is able to tolerate outside conditions and its natural food sources
• No longer requires medical care
• Exhibits no signs of active disease
• Has fur, plumage or waterproofing (where applicable) that is adequate for that species to survive
• Has adequate vision to find and catch food and manoeuvre in a normal manner
• Exhibits locomotive skills necessary for that species to survive
• Exhibits normal behaviour responses (i.e. an instinctual fear of humans and predators, able to forage and process food, find or construct shelter, mark its territory and move across the landscape with confidence)
• Is of correct age for independent survival
• Is of correct weight for that sex, species, age and season
• Has been checked by a veterinarian/person experienced in the species for any diseases that may be transmitted to native populations and been cleared.

Ensure the release site has suitable habitat, water and food, and is free from any dangers (e.g. busy roads). Do not release wildlife during extremes of weather or outside the usual active times for the species (e.g. nocturnal wildlife during the day). Some animals are best released into an existing social structure (e.g. flocking birds such as corellas). Wildlife that require hollows should be released with a temporary nest box to reduce the chance of predation.

Objective

To ensure that released wildlife are given the best possible chance for survival, protect animal welfare, and limit possible detrimental effects from the released wildlife on the ecology of the release site.

How to comply

The further away from the point of capture that rehabilitated wildlife is released, the less likely it is that it will survive. This can be due to a range of factors including lack of appropriate habitat, increased numbers of predators, differing social structures (e.g. ‘dominant’ wildlife already present in the release area harassing the released wildlife) or lack of an existing population (i.e. for social species).

The release of wildlife outside their known individual range is not allowed due to animal welfare concerns and the significant risks such releases pose to resident populations through genetic contamination, disease and parasite spread, and negative impacts on their social structure.

To prevent disease transmission and to protect animal welfare, wildlife must be released within the individual animal’s home range of the original capture site. If the site is unknown/unsuitable, then the animal must be euthanised.

The home range (also known as ‘territory’) of an animal refers to the area in which an animal lives and travels. The size of an animal’s home range varies between species. For more information on home ranges for specific species, rehabilitators can refer to information available in reference books or through internet sources. including those found in Further resources.

To assist in determining fitness for release, wildlife is ready for release when it:

• Exhibits full recovery from the original injury or illness
• Has no permanent physical impairment that may affect its chances of survival in the wild
• Is able to tolerate outside conditions and its natural food sources
• No longer requires medical care
• Exhibits no signs of active disease
• Has fur, plumage or waterproofing (where applicable) that is adequate for that species to survive
• Has adequate vision to find and catch food and manoeuvre in a normal manner
• Exhibits locomotive skills necessary for that species to survive
• Exhibits normal behaviour responses (i.e. an instinctual fear of humans and predators, able to forage and process food, find or construct shelter, mark its territory and move across the landscape with confidence)
• Is of correct age for independent survival
• Is of correct weight for that sex, species, age and season
• Has been checked by a veterinarian/person experienced in the species for any diseases that may be transmitted to native populations and been cleared.

Ensure the release site has suitable habitat, water and food, and is free from any dangers (e.g. busy roads). Do not release wildlife during extremes of weather or outside the usual active times for the species (e.g. nocturnal wildlife during the day). Some animals are best released into an existing social structure (e.g. flocking birds such as corellas). Wildlife that require hollows should be released with a temporary nest box to reduce the chance of predation.

Objective

To ensure that adequate records are kept documenting wildlife that have entered care, their original rescue location, the reason for their admission and the fate of the wildlife. This information is vital to keep accurate case histories, track emerging trends or threats to wildlife populations and provides useful data for rehabilitators, DEECA, veterinarians and research organisations.

How to comply

Keep up-to-date records of the wildlife held under your authorisation and maintain them in a form that can easily be examined and understood. The best way to do this is to record the details of the wildlife the same day it is admitted into your care. If the wildlife is brought to you by another authorisation holder or member of the public, ask them for all the relevant details.

Copies should be made in case the original records are lost. Additional information useful to keep includes treatment details (e.g. medication requirements), feeding and toileting details, and any other relevant information.

Please note

You are no longer required to submit your records to the Conservation Regulator each year. However, you are still required to keep these records and make them available to an Authorised Officer upon request.

Objective

This condition is in place to help prevent disturbance to wildlife from captive wildlife; disease transmission from wildlife to captive wildlife and vice-versa; and wildlife undergoing rehabilitation learning imprinted behaviours from captive wildlife.

How to comply

If you hold a separate wildlife licence, ensure that all wildlife kept under that license is kept completely and physically separate, preferably in a different building. See Condition 20 for restrictions on the display of wildlife.

Objective

It is important for shelters to keep track of the wildlife held by their foster carers to provide guidance and support, and to keep accurate records.

How to comply

Notify your supervising shelter of any wildlife that is brought into care and the details of the care required. If you are unsure of the care requirements of the species, you must seek advice and assistance from your supervising shelter to ensure that the animal is cared for appropriately.