Blog

WIRES Emergency Response in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred

Monday, March 24, 2025

In the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, we wanted to share some key insights from our Wildlife Rescue Office and highlight our role in supporting local wildlife volunteers with search and rescue efforts.

From Wednesday, March 5th to Thursday, March 13th, 2025, our Wildlife Rescue Office received 6,137 calls, and documented 299 cases directly impacted by the ex-tropical cyclone.

More than 204 birds were reported, 22 possum and gliders, 13 macropods and eight koalas. Considerable numbers of lizards (eight) and freshwater turtles (seven) were also reported

The top reasons for the emergency calls were: displacement (168 calls), the animal being waterlogged (37 calls) and broken limbs/wings from impact (33).

Preparing for the event

In the week leading up to the cyclone, our Incident Management Team was activated and remained in close contact with the EPA Environmental Services Incident Management Team throughout the event.

Volunteers in the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley, Mid North Coast and New England were regularly contacted for disaster response preparations and briefings, and our Volunteer Emergency Response Team remained on standby.

Dispatching our Emergency Response Team

On the ground, we deployed three Emergency Responders (two from Sydney and one from south-east Queensland) to assist local wildlife volunteers with search and rescue efforts.

They were dispatched with Wildlife Ambulances; each equipped with ICUs, oxygen, heated pouches, hydration fluids, and lifesaving medical and rescue supplies.

For orphaned joeys like the Eastern Grey below, who was found dehydrated and alone in the aftermath of floods; it was a service that saved her life.

Our Emergency Responder Kyana was able to warm the joey in an incubator, provide her with a soft, dry pouch and administer life-saving hydration. She's now in care with a volunteer.

WIRES Emergency Responder Kyana transporting an orphaned, displaced joey during ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

As Australia’s extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, your continued support helps us respond swiftly as disaster strikes, providing lifesaving rescue and recovery for remaining survivors.

On behalf of the native animals who’ll get their second chance in the wild thanks to these emergency response efforts, thank you.

Whilst the immediate threat of the cyclone has passed, the environmental impacts including polluted waterways, washed away habitats and food sources will continue to take their toll on wildlife and local communities for months to come. Together, we will continue providing the support they need to survive.