Wildlife Rescue Groups

Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc. – (02) 6628 1866
WIRES Northern Rivers – 1300 094 737
Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital – 1300 945 354
Wildlife Rescue Australia – 1300 596 457
Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – (02) 6687 8432
Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue: (02) 6686 2852
Friends of the Koala: (02) 6622 1233
Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (02) 5657 9447

Photo: Young Rainbow Bee-eaters taken by Reid Waters

Note – BBB is a conservation group and is NOT licenced to rescue or keep injured
birds.

LINK TO PDF COPY OF INFORMATION BELOW

What to do – Immediate Actions
 Keep the animal/bird safe – If possible, move it to a quiet, dark, and secure
place away from pets and people to reduce stress.
 Do not feed or give water – Many injured animals require specific care, and
improper feeding can worsen their condition.
 Monitor from a distance – If the animal is mobile but injured, observe its
behaviour while waiting for assistance.

Transporting the Animal – If safe to do so:
 Use a ventilated box – Place a towel inside for comfort.
 Wear gloves – Protect yourself and the animal.
 Drive carefully – Sudden movements can stress the animal.

Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc. – (02) 6628 1866
 Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc. is a not-for-profit network of trained
volunteers that is licensed to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured or
orphaned wildlife for release back into the wild. This locally based
independent organisation has been part of the Northern Rivers community
since 1992.

WIRES Northern Rivers – 1300 094 737
 They are dedicated to the rescue, care, rehabilitation and release of native
animals back to the wild in Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore Kyogle & Richmond
Valley.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital – 1300 945 354
 In the grounds of the Wild Life Sanctuary
 Provides professional veterinary services for injured, diseased, orphaned and
displaced native Australian animals. Our services are provided free of charge,
7 days a week, and available to wildlife rescue groups and members of the
public.

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – (02) 6687 8432
 Purpose is to create an awareness of the importance of respecting our natural
world together with the community, by offering experiences that enable visitors
to leave feeling fulfilled, with a newfound understanding and enjoyment of what
Australia’s natural landscape has to offer, with the priority to respect, protect
and enjoy our native flora and fauna. Open to the public 7 days a week and offers
a comprehensive daily activity schedule including Keeper talks and wildlife
presentations.

Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue – (02) 6686 2852
 Specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating seabirds, shorebirds, and sea turtles.
 Location: 264 North Creek Road, Ballina, NSW 2478
 Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue follows structured protocols for rescuing
seabirds, shorebirds, and sea turtles. Their process includes:
 First Response Training – They offer training for first responders, including
fishers, to safely handle entangled seabirds and turtles.
 Rescue & Transport – Volunteers assess the situation, safely capture the
animal, and transport it to their facility for treatment.
 Rehabilitation – Injured seabirds and turtles receive veterinary care and are
monitored until they can be released.
 Public Awareness Campaigns – They run initiatives like #dontcuttheline,
educating fishers on preventing entanglements.

Friends of the Koala: (02) 6622 1233, friendsofthekoala.org

A leading koala conservation group in the Northern Rivers, handling rescues,
rehabilitation, and habitat restoration.
 Operates a 24/7 rescue hotline and follows a detailed rescue and
rehabilitation process:
 Rescue Call & Assessment – Volunteers respond to reports of sick, injured, or
orphaned koalas, assessing their condition.
 Transport & Veterinary Care – Koalas are taken to their on-site hospital,
where vets diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses.
 Rehabilitation – Depending on the severity, koalas may stay in care for a few
hours or several months, receiving daily monitoring and specialized
treatment.
 Soft Release & Return to Habitat – Before release, koalas may be placed in
soft release enclosures to regain strength before returning to the wild.
 Bangalow Koalas focuses on habitat restoration rather than direct rescue
operations. They work on:
o Tree Planting & Wildlife Corridors – They restore native habitat to
support koala populations.
o Community Engagement – They collaborate with landowners and
volunteers to expand koala-friendly environments.

Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) 02 5657 9447
50 Lindendale Road, Wollongbar, NSW, – https://nrwh.com.au/
 Recently opened, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the care, treatment,
and rehabilitation of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife.
 Inn one of Australia’s most ecologically diverse regions, our hospital provides
critical support to wildlife Carers and the broader conservation network.
 They also operate a wildlife ambulance

Alternative Contacts
 Local veterinarians – Many vets treat wildlife for free. Call ahead to confirm
they can assist.
 WIRES Emergency Hotline – 1300 094 737 operates 24/7 for rescue advice
and coordination.
 Wildlife Rescue Australia – 1300 596 457, another national rescue service.
 Local council or rangers – They may have contacts for emergency wildlife
care.

Emergency & General Veterinary Clinics
Some veterinarians in Byron Shire that may assist with wildlife emergencies:
 Animal Emergency Service (Bangalow) – 0424 054 056
o 24/7 emergency care for injured wildlife and pets.
 Vitality Vetcare (Bangalow) – (02) 6687 0675
o Holistic veterinary care, including wildlife treatment.
 Byron Bay Veterinary Clinic (Byron Bay) – (02) 6685 6899. Offers care for
injured wildlife.
 North Coast Veterinary clinic 02 6684 0735 – Gulgan Road, Mullumbimby
(good with wildlife apparently)

 Ballina Veterinary Hospital in River Street does NOT treat wildlife

Byron Shire Council Rangers
Rangers can handle a range of environmental and community compliance issues. Here’s
how you can report concerns and request services and can be reached at:
 Phone: (02) 6626 7000 (General Council Contact)
 Toll-Free: 1300 811 942
 Emergency After Hours: (02) 6622 7022
 Location: 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby, NSW 2482
 Services Provided
 Wildlife Protection & Rescue Coordination – They assist in cases of injured or
distressed wildlife, working with local rescue groups.
 Companion Animal Management – Enforce pet regulations, including leash laws
and responsible pet ownership.
 Illegal Camping & Environmental Compliance – Monitor and address
unauthorized camping, pollution, and land use violations.
 Parking & Local Law Enforcement – Issue fines and warnings for parking
violations and other local regulations.