It is important to consider your capacity before agreeing to take wildlife into care. The concept of 'capacity to care(opens in a new window)’ refers to your ability to:
- Provide the minimum care and essential needs of rescued native animals
- Have the resources required to appropriately prepare wildlife for release back into the wild.
Please be mindful of your capacity, particularly when there is an influx of wildlife requiring care due to major incidents like bushfire, significant weather events and other natural disasters.
Exceeding your capacity to care for wildlife may result in unacceptable standards and welfare outcomes that do not meet the conditions of your authorisation. Also consider the emotional load required to care for additional animals, and put your own safety and welfare first.
Caring for some young wildlife (e.g. baby birds and joeys) requires significant time commitment and would not be appropriate for those unable to meet their care requirements.
The Conservation Regulator recommends establishing good communication with other wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
If you believe your capacity is exceeded and you are not able to provide adequate care for an animal, it is recommended you contact another wildlife rehabilitator to see if they have capacity to take the animal. If you are not able to find another wildlife rehabilitator who has the capacity to take the animal, then it should be humanely euthanised.
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