At WIRES, we're dedicated to helping Australia's wildlife, and you can make a difference by donating physical items.
Please complete this form to let us know what you would like to donate. We will pass on the details to volunteers near you to see if they need this at this time and can arrange collection or drop-off. We may also ask if you can post the goods to our Head Office in Brookvale for distribution across the state.
WIRES has volunteers in most parts of NSW, but please check our locations to make sure we are in your area. If not, you might find your local organisation listed on the national rescues organisations list or the Australian Fauna Care Directory.
If we can't accept your donations, we may refer you to the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC). WIRES and ARC have worked closely together since the devastating Black Summer bushfires, distributing thousands of tonnes of vital supplies such as wildlife food and other items to wildlife rescuers and carers around Australia.
What We Accept
The items required by our carers can vary greatly depending on location. Here are some commonly used items. Importantly, all used items must be clean and of good quality for our volunteers to use for wildlife in care. Loose threads or linty towels and linens can be a safety hazard for wildlife in care.
High Demand
- Handmade pouches and liners, bird nests, and bat wraps made with 100% wool and 100% cotton.
- Cages & Carriers: Large cages, top-opening pet carriers/rescue baskets, flexariums and pet enclosures
- Possum boxes and dreys
- Aviaries: portable & fixed location, preferably flat-packed
- Bath and beach towels
- Pillowcases
- Heating pads and mats
- Wildlife food or credit with wildlife food suppliers
- Goods or services for fundraising, for example, movie tickets, event tickets, hotel or resort stays, spa treatments, passes to attractions.
Low Demand
- Flat sheets (cotton, flannelette, linen, or bamboo)
- Wool or fleece blankets
- ·Hand towels
- Ceramic or metal food bowls
- Puppy playpens and pee pads
Medical Supplies
We also need essential medical supplies (including expired items) to care for injured wildlife.
High Demand
- Saline Solution
- Disposable gloves
- Hand sanitiser
- Hartmann's Solution
- Syringes (assorted sizes)
- Instant heat & cold packs
- Antiseptic wipes and sprays
- Medical tape
Low Demand
- Bandages (assorted)
- Dressings (assorted)
- Swabs
- Gauze
- Burettes and Pipettes
What We Don’t accept
- Some commonly offered items that we cannot accept include:
- Clothing, including all fur items
- Mattresses, pillows or cushions, fitted sheets, doonas and covers, pillows, tea towels, and bath mats
- Baby formula, teats and bottles
- Scrap material
- Pet food, bird seeds and pet toys
- Medication
Donating & Questions
If you'd like to donate items or have questions about goods donations, please complete the form on this page. Provide dimensions for bulky items like cages, carriers, and aviaries.