Wildlife Rescue
The Parks and Wildlife Service of the NT no longer provide a rescue service for injured, ill or orphaned native wildlife. This service is now provided by organisations within the community that continue to work closely with the Parks and Wildlife Service.
There are around 250 carers throughout the entire Northern Territory covering the arid zone to the tropics. People interested in wildlife care should contact their local wildlife rescue organisation for training and membership details.
Found an injured animal?
For help and advice on what to do, follow the basic information outlined below and contact your local wildlife rescue organisation.
- minimise noise
- minimise handling and stress
- keep pets and children away from wildlife
- ensure the animal actually needs rescuing
- do not offer wildlife food, especially not cow’s milk!
- move road kill at least 10m off the road
- check dead kangaroo and possum pouches for joeys
- contact your local wildlife rescue organisation
- remember your safety always comes first!
Who to Contact
Darwin - 0409 090 840
The Wildlife Rescue hotline is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, by Wildlife Rescue Darwin.
Wildlife drop off points are available during business hours at:
- Ark Animal Hospital (8932 9738) - Yarrawonga, cnr of Callanan Rd and Georgina Cresent
- Ark Animal Hospital (8988 3340) - Humpty Doo, 12 Verker Street
Visit Wildlife Rescue Darwin for more information.
Katherine - 0407 934 252
Wildlife Rescue activities in Katherine are available 24 hours, 7 days a week by contacting “Reedy’s Reptiles” (David Reed). Trained personnel are on hand to collect injured and potentially harmful animals.
Alice Springs - 0419 221 128
Wildcare Inc. Alice Springs is a non-profit organisation manned completely by dedicated volunteers. Wildcare Inc. Alice Springs provides a wildlife rescue and support network for Centralians and are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Wildlife drop off points are available during business hours at:
- Alice Springs Reptile Centre, corner of Bath Street and Stuart Terrace
- Alice Springs Vet Clinic, 75 Bath Street
Wildlife Carer’s Permit
All vertebrate wildlife that is indigenous to Australia is considered protected in the Northern Territory. To legally care for wildlife you are required to hold a ‘Wildlife Carer’s Permit’, which can be obtained free of charge from the permits office on the ground floor of Goyder Building Palmerston or more information and a downloadable document can be found on the Wildlife Carer's Permit page.
