The Red Box Veterinary and Wildlife Shelter at Elphinstone has been working around the clock to care for injured wildlife impacted by the fire which ravaged the region on January 9.
Red Box shelter operator Nikki Medwell said after the initial fear that the shelter may be impacted by the fire abated they have thrown themselves into response.
“We can see Mount Alexander from our yard, we could see the fire glowing, and I think I can speak for every wildlife carer when I say that you are going to stay on and protect the innocent animals in your care. It was quite a scary night,” Nikki said.
Their incredible team of volunteers has been working tirelessly in aftermath.
“Our team has been working to triage each roo or creature as local wildlife rescuers bring them in to be assessed. From there they are sedated and treated in our vet clinic with ointments to soothe their burns. They are then given 24 hours to convalesce and recover from their ordeal and shock before being transported to fellow shelters across the region and beyond who have made space to house and care for them,” Nikki said.
“After the Black Saturday fires were were well prepared for the next major emergency, and it has been working like a well oiled machine thanks to the support of our dedicated rescuers, small but ever reliable pool of volunteers, the expert advice of our vet Dr Mark Sayer, and extra support from friend and neighbour Sam who literally did the heavy lifting, rescuer Sam Brand from neighbouring Animal Abbey, team members from the Humane World for Animals Australia and Animals Australia,” she said.
Nikki said that the worst patients remain in their care and bandages are removed and replaced every two days to monitor the burns and healing and prevent infection.
“Despite our preparation for such an event we have spent $3900 on additional medicine alone,” Nikki said.
Those who want to assist the local shelter’s work can make a donation to support them via the donation link on their website at www.redboxwildlifeshelter.com.au/sponsorship-programs, create a Pay It Forward direct debit of $2 a week to support their ongoing efforts, or make a donation in person at Petstock Castlemaine towards feed and other essentials.
“We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support we have already received from the local community. We don’t receive any government funding. We are all volunteers so every dollar donated is crucial and goes directly to caring for the injured animals in our care,” Nikki said.
While the initial rush has slowed animals continue to be rescued and brought in for treatment.
“Many animals go into shock and hiding following such an event and are only starting to emerge. We found one mum with two young male joeys at foot who was sheltering under a bush. The mum and oldest son were quite aggressive protecting the smaller boy, but we soon discovered she also had another pinkie in her pouch that she was protecting. Her milk was drying up due to the shock. But they are now recovering well and hopefully the pinkie will thrive,” Nikki said.
Remember, if you see injured or orphaned wildlife, please phone your local rescuer direct or WRIN for Central Vic: 0419 356 433.
Wildlife carers, rescuers or those traumatised by assisting with the rescue of injured animals are also urged to reach out to WildTalk – 1300 945 382 counselling service for support.
