We receive requests through the facebook pages of Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue and Wildlife Carers Toowoomba Region all the time on how to become a wildlife carer in the Toowoomba Region, when there aren't any incorporated groups issuing permits.  It is not impossible to still become a wildlife carer, but there is no short way to do so. If you are willing to put in the time to do the training, volunteer and set yourself up with required equipment, we can guide you on how to work towards gaining a wildlife rehabilitation permit for least concern species.  

Caring for Australian native wildlife is specialised, and entirely different to caring for domestic animals.  Wildlife carers are bound by legislation to the Code of Practice (see below).  The main aim is to be able to successfully rehabilitate, raise and release Australian native animals back to the wild in perfect health.

Wildlife rehabilitation volunteers are expected to undertake appropriate training.  We have a close working relationship with Wildcare at Nerang and they conduct regular training courses and workshops which cover an extensive range of topics from reptile care to handling and anatomy and physiology. 

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR A WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PERMIT

• QWRC Insurance Card (see Below)
• Proof of previous wildlife carer permit from the past (optional)
• Proof of Wildlife First Aid Training Certificates and any other wildlife rehabilitation training course certificates. 
• Proof of knowledge of native plants and wildlife habitats.
• Letter of recommendation from a minimum of one experienced wildlife carer and mentor (over 10 years experience advisable), with information about your time volunteering with wildlife carers and your ability.
• Letter of recommendation from your local Veterinarian to prove that you have spoken to them about your intentions to become a wildlife carer and have shown proof of your training, and intention to work with that vet for the best outcome for all wildlife patients.
• Wildcare Membership Proof, or official membership card of another wildlife carer organizaton
• Photographic proof and measurements of your aviaries/enclosures on your own property that abide by the recommendations for minimum sizes in the Code of Practice (see below).
• Once you have all of the above, send us a message and we can advise you on how to apply for your permit.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET STARTED
A variety of experience and certifications are required to being your journey to gaining a wildlife rehabilitation permit in the Toowoomba Region.  We have a tick list below with a breakdown of further information on things you will require proof of to apply for your carers permit.  

• If you have held a wildlife carers permit in the past - a copy of this permit will be highly beneficial - even if it is from another state in Australia, or from many years ago.
• We suggest joining Wildcare to attend their training courses that are held at Wacol, Nerang or the Sunshine Coast.  Their educational Calendar is available on their website.  Find courses for animals you are interested in caring for, example possums and birds are a good start. Join Wildcare Here. Please note this membership does not give you a wildlife carers permit, but provides you with access to all wildlife carer training and resources for under $40 a year. 
• Complete Orientation and Rescue and First Aid for Native Wildlife (Basic) at Wildcare Course.  View Wildcare Courses Here
• Complete at least 1 to 2 other courses through Wildcare or other Wildlife Organisations for the animals you are interested in looking after.  View Wildcare Course Calendar Here
• Join QWRC to get your wildlife rescue insurance and rescue vest. Join Here
• Start thinking about what animals you would like to care for and what facilities will be required, and work towards getting a good set-up of enclosures, rescue cages etc.  Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are a good way to start.
• Like the Wildlife Carers Toowoomba Region Facebook Page and message them once you are ready to begin, for assistance with finding a suitable wildlife carer mentor once you have done your basic wildcare training. 
• Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue may be able to provide you with a small amount of donated items to help you get started once you have done your training and are ready to apply for your permit, for example, pouches, syringes, medical items and ointments.  This is subject only to availability of excess donated supplies.  We are working on creating basic rescue kits for new wildlife carers. Contact us for further information.

We hope that this gives you some motivation to get started on the correct way to become a wildlife carer in the Toowoomba Region.  For any further questions, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue

While we are still rehabilitating our own Koala survivors from the Queensland Pechey Hampton Bushfires in November/December 2019, we are heartbroken at the devastation occurring and the mass loss of wildlife in New South Wales and Kangaroo Island.

The public attention for the volunteer wildlife rescuers has been incredible world wide and many people are confused about where to donate to help small branches or groups of wildlife carers direct, with many worrying donations will be used for administration purposes.  We have asked around with fellow wildlife carer & rescuer friends both here in Queensland and also in New South Wales and here is a small list of recommended groups that would be grateful for any assistance in New South Wales if you would like to support their work. 
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Murray River Wires (Recommended by Nicola)
WEBSITE & DONATIONS:   ​https://www.wires.org.au/branch/murrayriver

Far South East Wires (Recommended by Fiona)
WEBSITE & DONATIONS:  https://www.wires.org.au/branch/farsoutheast

Mid North Coast Wires (Illawarra) (Recommended by Fiona)
WEBSITE & DONATIONS:  https://www.wires.org.au/branch/midnorthcoast
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Shoalhaven Bat Clinic (Recommended by Kerryn)
WEBSITE & DONATIONS: ​https://shoalhaven-bat-clinic.com/
FACEBOOK:  ​https://www.facebook.com/Shoalhaven.Bat.Clinic

Kangaroo Protection Co-operative (Recommended by Brendon)
WEBSITE & DONATIONS:  https://www.kpcwildlifesanctuary.org.au/index.php/support-us
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/kpcsanctuary/

NSW Wildlife Council (Recommended by Ben)
WEBSITE & DONATIONS:  100% guarantee of donations to go to wildlife groups and carers assisting with the nsw fire rescues.  https://www.gofundme.com/f/nsw-wildlife-council-drought-amp-fire-recovery-fund

Wildlife Land Trust (Humane Society International) (Recommended by Evan)
WEBSITE & DONATIONS:  100% guarantee of donations to go to individual wildlife carers assisting with bushfire wildlife rescue.  https://action.hsi.org.au/page/54414/donate/1
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/wltau/

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Many Thanks for your support for our fellow wildlife carers in New South Wales,
Judi & Brendon Gray
Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue
www.toowoombakoalarescue.org
www.facebook.com/toowoombakoalarescue

​Orphaned joey koala Jacob attended his first visit to the RSPCA wildife hospital at Wacol on 13th January 2020.  He was very well behaved and passed all of his medical tests with flying colours.  He came home with us to be raised until he can be released.  

RESCUE DATE:  11th January 2020
RESCUE LOCATION:  Private property at Meringandan
REASON FOR RESCUE:  Orphaned, found on his own without his mother, who could not be located to reunite them.
WEIGHT AT TIME OF RESCUE:  1.52kg
FIRST HOSPITAL VISIT:  13th January 2020 - RSPCA Wildlife Hospital, Wacol
ESTIMATED AGE BY HOSPITAL:  7 Months Old
BODY SCORE: 8 (Score of 1-10 system with 10 being the best)
MICROCHIP: Jacob now has special microchip that can track his information and be scanned easily at any vets.