Have you found injured or orphaned wildlife? Call 0447 264 625 and click here for instructions

Wildlife Rescue

Tasmania is the roadkill capital of the world. Over 500,000 animals are killed on our roads on average, every year. Help is desperately needed.

Bonorong operates Tasmania’s largest 24-hour wildlife rescue service which provides safety and care to thousands of animals every year. We operate with the assistance of trained community rescuers and the devotion of hundreds of wildlife carers, all of whom donate considerable time, money and energy to helping wildlife in need.

What to do if you find injured wildlife

  • Keep the animal warm
  • Keep the animal dark
  • Keep the animal quiet
  • Keep handling to a minimum
  • Do not provide food or drink

Call the Bonorong Rescue 24/7 Hotline on 0447 264 625 (0447 ANIMAL)

Consider keeping some simple items in your car such as a torch, gloves, pillow case, towel, beanie, and sturdy box to help if you do find wildlife. Having these items will make relieving stress a lot easier.

Please remember that our rescue service is based on voluntary responses from trained community members.

Become a Wildlife Rescuer

Are you passionate about wildlife but unsure where to start? Good news – becoming a wildlife rescuer is accessible to everyone, regardless of your physical fitness, strength, or previous experience. All you need is to be over 18 and have a car licence.

We run free, virtual wildlife rescue training sessions for interested members of the community. These sessions cover the basics of wildlife rescue, transport and temporary care.

These skills will enable you to reach an animal in need quickly and follow the right first aid steps to maximise chances of survival and relieve pain and stress for injured animals.

There is absolutely no obligation to sign up to our rescue service after the training, and even if you don’t you’ll come away with skills that you can use in the event of a wildlife emergency.

The sessions run for approximately 6 hours and are absolutely free.

Rescuers must be over 18 years old, however children are welcome to join the training and assist with rescues as they can make pretty perfect helpers in many situations! Please be aware we do cover some sensitive topics including euthanasia, so parental discretion is advised.

No suitable dates? Keep an eye on our Facebook page to be the first to know about new training opportunities!

Here are a few reasons why rescue may be right for you!

Perfect for your lifestyle

Short on time, renting, or unable to commit to caregiving? Wildlife rescuing is the perfect fit. No enclosures or setups required – just your willingness to help when you can.

Flexibility without pressure

There’s no obligation to take on numerous rescues. Even if you can only manage five a year, you’re making a significant difference. You’re in control – choose rescues that suit your schedule and comfort level.

No pressure alerts

No need to worry about being put on the spot. Receive alerts through an app with hundreds of other rescuers. Analyse the situation, and if it’s not suitable for you, simply ignore it – no pressure.

Free Training

All Training is completely free of charge. We believe in empowering every individual who wants to contribute to wildlife welfare.

Diverse Rescuer Community

Our rescuers come from all walks of life – from university students to athletes and individuals with mobility issues. No specific physical skills are required. It’s all about choosing the right rescue that aligns with your capabilities.

Help anywhere in Tasmania

No matter where you live in Tasmania, there’s an opportunity to help. Wildlife needs assistance across the entire region, and you can be a part of making a positive impact.

First step toward caregiving

Becoming a wildlife rescuer is an excellent first step towards becoming a rehabilitator. Gain valuable insights into wildlife rescue operations, understand the challenges animals face, and experience the satisfaction of making a real difference.