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

There are volunteer organisations who, where possible will collect, care and release injured or orphaned animals. If you find an injured animal please call Wildcare NT with one of the following numbers:

Darwin: 89 886 121 or 0408 885 341

Alice Springs: 0419 221 128

Katherine: 0412 955 336

or visit www.wildcarent.org.au for more information.

Alternatively local vets are affiliated with care networks and you can drop the animal off during business hours with no charge at:

All Pets Vet Hospital
Ark Animal Hospital Yarrawonga
Darwin Mobile Vets
Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic
Litchfield Vets
Parap Veterinary Hospital
Paul Arnold Bush Photos
University Avenue Veterinary Hospital

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.