Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife

Do you need to find help for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife?

The Help for Injured Wildlife tool will help you locate and contact wildlife carers and rescue and rehabilitation organisations to help the injured wildlife.

Expert care for certain wildlife

The rescue and rehabilitation of certain wildlife is restricted in Victoria as some wildlife require expert care and treatment.

• Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline, 1300 136 017
• Seals or marine turtles - Marine Response Unit, 1300 245 678
• Platypus - Healesville Sanctuary, (03) 5957 2829

Can I look after sick injured or orphaned wildlife?

Wildlife may only be cared for by authorised Wildlife Shelters or Foster Carers.

Wildlife requires expert care, treatment and rehabilitation to recover sufficiently to be returned to the wild. Without this care, wildlife may not recover or may lose their natural behaviours.

It is illegal in Victoria to keep sick, injured or orphaned wildlife as a pet. Taking wildlife from the wild without authorisation is an offence that carries a fine of up to $7,773 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

If you wish to become an authorised Wildlife Shelter or Foster Carer, information about the application process and the application forms are available on the Conservation Regulator's website.

What do I do if I find heat stressed wildlife?

Information on heat stress in wildlife.