Dozens of wallaby joeys have been orphaned in the Redlands in the past two months following an increase in the number of wallabies on the move during their breeding season.
Capalaba wildlife carer Bev Grant, who is currently bottle-feeding 11 joeys every three hours, said the joeys had been rescued after their mothers were hit by cars.
“I’ve been inundated with orphaned joeys recently – up to four in a day – and I’m the only registered wallaby carer in the Redlands,” she said.
You may also like these stories
“There are lots of wallabies being hit by cars at the moment that has led to more orphaned joeys rescued from their mother’s pouches.
“One of the joeys I’m looking after is a young swamp wallaby called Jack who came to me nine weeks ago with two broken feet. He’s recovered well but demands lots of attention.
“We need more trained carers in the Redlands and we also need drivers to slow down and watch out for wallabies and other wildlife near roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
“If you do hit an animal, stop and see that it is okay, check if there is a joey in the pouch and call the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue on 3833 4031 for help.”
Over the past two months, wallabies have been particularly active in the following areas:
- Lyndon Road, between Korawal and Honeymyrtle Roads, Capalaba
- Vienna Road, near Scribbly Gums Conservation Area, Alexandra Hills
- Heinemann Road, 1km north and south of the Giles Road intersection, Redland Bay
- Woodlands Drive near the large bend between Platres Drive and Taylor Road, Thornlands
Mrs Grant, who has cared for thousands of injured and orphaned birds, sugar gliders, possums, kangaroos, koalas and wallabies over the past 20 years, said she looks after the animals until they are old enough or well enough to be returned to the wild and have a normal life.
The 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service is funded and coordinated by Redland City Council, and operated by volunteers, while the work of local wildlife carers is supported by Council’s Grants program.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams reiterated Mrs Grant’s call for drivers to slow down and stay alert for wildlife.
“We are privileged to have significant wallaby populations in the Redlands and we must be mindful to watch for them near the roadside particularly at this time of year,” she said.
“Redlands Wildlife Rescue is always in need of more hands, including volunteers to answer the phone day and night, wildlife rescuers to transport sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, and registered carers.”
Visit IndigiScapes or contact a wildlife extension officer on 3824 8611 to learn more about upcoming training events for volunteers and registration requirements for wildlife carers.
