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WIRES announce 3 Million Dollars for Emergency Wildlife Rescue and Care

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) has launched two national emergency relief grants programs to support volunteers assisting wildlife as well as the veterinary sector, both of which are working tirelessly to manage native animals currently requiring immediate and ongoing care.

WIRES has established a national $1 million emergency ‘WIRES Wildlife Relief Fund*’ for frontline wildlife rescue and volunteer groups. The fund will provide immediate assistance to cover the costs associated with the rescue and care of animals affected by fire, drought and extreme weather conditions.

Licensed rescue groups and carers licensed as individuals can apply for funds to cover the costs of animal food, medical supplies, veterinary needs and equipment.

WIRES will be working with the Australian Veterinarian Association (AVA) to provide $1million in funding to support vets and specialist wildlife veterinary practices treating animals that have been affected during this crisis.

The two grant programs are in addition to the $1 million WIRES has already distributed over the last eight weeks to the 28 WIRES branches across NSW.

WIRES CEO, Leanne Taylor said the devastating fires and ongoing drought continue to significantly impact both native wildlife and the volunteers who care for them. She expects this will continue for some time as more animals are rescued and the remaining populations that have survived the fires struggle for protection and food due to loss of habitat.

“It is vital that we immediately get the funds out to those wildlife volunteers taking care of animals that are injured and/or orphaned, “said Taylor. “Nationally, vets provide vital support to the wildlife sector and we want to ensure that veterinary hospitals/clinics operating within fire affected regions or providing specialist services are well supported to assist with rehabilitation efforts.” 

WIRES will be announcing further initiatives over the next few weeks.

*Wildlife Relief Fund

Individually licensed applicants (not required to belong to a group) can apply for grants up to $5,000 and licensed groups applying on behalf of multiple volunteers can apply for up to $20,000 for the following items;

· Food for animals in care due to the fires, drought and weather extremes

· Medical supplies and medication for native animals in care

· Veterinary costs associated with ongoing health checks during rehabilitation

· Rescue and care equipment required to immediately assist affected animals

· Replacement of rehabilitation enclosures destroyed by the fires and building of new enclosures to accommodate the influx of animals due to fire and drought.

All details regarding applications for a WIRES Wildlife Relief Fund grant can be found at: https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-emergency-relief