WIRES: Saving Australia's Unique Wildlife

WIRES is Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation. WIRES has been rescuing and caring for sick, injured and orphaned native animals for over 35 years, and our mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same.

The Problem: Changing Environments

Australia is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, home to species found nowhere else on Earth. However, these animals face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. Urban expansion encroaches on natural habitats, leaving animals displaced, injured, or orphaned.

Bushfires, which have become increasingly severe and frequent due to climate change, devastate vast areas of wildlife habitat, killing millions of animals and leaving survivors in dire need of help. This is where WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service) steps in, addressing the urgent need to protect and rehabilitate Australia's native wildlife.

WIRES to the rescue

WIRES is the largest wildlife rescue organization in Australia, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native animals. Established in 1985, WIRES operates 24/7, responding to emergency calls from the public about injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife. Their network of trained volunteers covers a vast area, ensuring that help is available across the country.

How they are helping everyday:

Rescue Operations: WIRES volunteers respond to thousands of calls each year, rescuing animals from dangerous situations, providing immediate care, and transporting them to specialized facilities for further treatment.

Rehabilitation: Once animals are rescued, WIRES ensures they receive the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation. This process involves veterinarians, wildlife carers, and specialized facilities equipped to handle the unique needs of different species.

Release: The ultimate goal of WIRES is to release rehabilitated animals back into their natural habitats. This involves careful planning to ensure the animals are returned to safe environments where they can thrive.

Education and Training: WIRES also focuses on education, training volunteers and the public on how to coexist with wildlife and respond to emergencies. They offer workshops, courses, and resources to improve wildlife care and awareness.

Achievements and high-fives

Over the years, WIRES has made significant strides in wildlife conservation and rescue. Here are some of their notable achievements:

• Rescue and Care: WIRES rescues and cares for over 100,000 animals each year, covering a wide range of species, from koalas and kangaroos to birds, reptiles, and marine life.

• Bushfire Response: During the catastrophic bushfires of 2019-2020, WIRES played a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife affected by the fires. Their efforts helped save countless animals and highlighted the importance of wildlife rescue organizations in times of crisis.

• Partnerships: WIRES collaborates with various organizations, including other wildlife rescue groups, government agencies, and research institutions, to enhance their capabilities and impact. These partnerships help improve rescue operations, share knowledge, and develop new strategies for wildlife conservation.

• Innovation: WIRES continuously seeks innovative solutions to improve wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. They have invested in technology, such as drone surveillance, to locate and rescue animals in hard-to-reach areas, and they support research initiatives to advance wildlife care practices.

How can we all help?

WIRES relies heavily on the support of the community to continue their vital work. There are several ways people can get involved and help protect Australia's native wildlife:

Donate: Financial contributions are crucial for WIRES to maintain their rescue operations, provide medical care, and support rehabilitation efforts. Donations can be made online through their website.

Volunteer: WIRES is always in need of dedicated volunteers to assist with rescues, animal care, administration, and fundraising. Volunteering with WIRES is a rewarding experience that directly impacts the lives of animals in need.

Fundraise: Organizing fundraising events or campaigns is another way to support WIRES. Schools, community groups, and individuals can host events, such as bake sales, charity runs, or online fundraisers, to raise money and awareness for wildlife rescue.

Spread Awareness: Educating others about the challenges facing Australian wildlife and the work of WIRES is essential. Sharing information on social media, hosting educational talks, and distributing WIRES resources can help spread the message and encourage more people to get involved.

Rescue and Report: If you come across injured or distressed wildlife, contact WIRES immediately for assistance. Their 24/7 hotline ensures that help is always available. Additionally, learning basic wildlife rescue skills can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

WIRES plays a vital role in protecting and rehabilitating Australia's unique wildlife. Their dedicated efforts in rescue, rehabilitation, education, and innovation have made a significant impact on the conservation of native species. By supporting WIRES through donations, volunteering, fundraising, and spreading awareness, we can all contribute to the preservation of Australia's incredible wildlife. Together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Australia's natural heritage.

Find out more about GenKind and how you can use it to help Protect Australian Wildlife here