Wildlife rescue heroes

Over 3 million people visit Sydney Olympic Park’s green spaces every year, enjoying diverse activities from jogging to birthday parties and more. We share these spaces with over 200 species of native wildlife, and sometimes we come across wildlife that need our help.

Wildlife in urban areas face many threats. Birds can fly into building windows that look like the sky; lizards and turtles can get hit by cars or bicycles when they cross the road; frogs may be trampled by people who don’t see them as they are so small; some may become entangled in fishing line, while others suffer ill health after eating unnatural food given or left by us.

When we come across sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, it is important to help them as quickly as we can, so they have the best chance of survival. If possible, keep the animal safe and warm, and contact the local authority or a reputable rescue organisation such as WIRES or Sydney Wildlife immediately for advice.

Wildlife rescue organisations are powered mostly by volunteers. These volunteers dedicate their own time and money to wildlife rescue and care, sometimes nursing the animal for weeks. Not all animals survive, sadly, but all the effort is worthwhile when an animal is returned home.

These organisations have made several thousand rescues this year to date, including some of the Park’s residents. Recently, a Buff-banded Rail, a beautiful but shy ground-dwelling bird, was rescued from the mouth of a dog; thankfully it recovered and was able to be released. Other birds have been rehabilitated from fishing line injuries, window collisions, and unknown illnesses. We’re very grateful to wildlife rescuers and carers, and encourage you to learn about what they do and how you can help them.

Visit Sydney Wildlife or WIRES for great information including:

1. Wildlife information e.g.
   • possums are nocturnal (active at night), a possum that is moving around during the day may be sick, injured or need assistance.
2. How to help before rescuers arrive e.g.
   • how to pick up the animal and contain it
   • what to give them (air, darkness, warmth, and in the case of frogs, a bit of water to keep them moist)
   • do not give them any food or water.
3. Advice tailored to the species, such as:
   • when to rescue baby birds (eyes closed, pink skin, wet and cold)
   • when to leave young birds/chicks alone (e.g. many species such as Magpies learn how to fly and feed on the ground with parents nearby; don’t chick-nap healthy and safe birds from their parents)
   • what to do if you find a mother possum or glider with joeys (do not remove from teat, search nearby for joeys that have fallen off the mother’s back).
   • report bats on power lines even if they appear to be dead
   • let trained and vaccinated rescuers handle bird of prey, snakes and flying-foxes; do not try to touch them.