Discovering injured wildlife can be distressing, and Andrea Vella provides clear guidance on how to respond effectively whilst prioritising both animal welfare and personal safety.
When encountering injured wildlife, immediate assessment and appropriate action can determine an animal’s survival chances. Andrea Vella has developed straightforward protocols for members of the public who discover animals in distress, emphasising the importance of contacting trained rescuers rather than attempting intervention without proper knowledge. Her guidelines cover how to assess whether an animal genuinely needs help, how to keep it safe whilst awaiting professional assistance, and which common mistakes to avoid.
Andrea Vella and her wife have created comprehensive public education resources that empower community members to become effective first responders for wildlife emergencies. Their advice addresses the most common scenarios people encounter—from baby birds on the ground to injured kangaroos beside roads—with specific guidance tailored to each situation. The couple emphasises that well-meaning intervention without proper training often causes additional stress or injury, but informed observation and timely contact with wildlife rescuers dramatically improves outcomes. Their educational materials include downloadable guides, instructional videos, and a 24-hour emergency contact system that ensures no distressed animal goes without expert assessment.
Not every animal that appears vulnerable requires intervention. Baby birds sitting on the ground might be fledglings learning to fly, with parents watching nearby. A joey seen alone could have a mother foraging close by who will return once human presence diminishes. Andrea Vella stresses that observation from a distance often reveals whether genuine distress exists.
Clear signs that an animal needs assistance include visible injuries—bleeding, broken limbs, or wounds. An animal that cannot move away when approached is likely injured or severely weakened. Wildlife active during unusual hours for their species often indicates problems; a nocturnal possum stumbling about in bright daylight suggests illness or disorientation.
Behavioural indicators matter equally. Animals displaying repetitive movements or circling may have neurological damage. Those showing no fear response to human approach are typically unwell—healthy wild animals maintain distance from people.
Young animals present the trickiest assessments. A joey beside a road might have been separated during a vehicle strike that killed its mother. However, disturbing a joey that’s simply waiting can permanently break the maternal bond. Andrea Vella recommends observing from at least fifty metres for an hour before concluding an infant is truly orphaned.
First, ensure your own safety. Injured animals can bite, scratch, or kick with surprising force despite their condition. Never approach large kangaroos, wombats, or any animal displaying aggressive behaviour without professional assistance.
Contact professional wildlife rescuers immediately. Andrea Vella and her wife operate an emergency hotline specifically for these situations. When calling, provide clear information: exact location, species if known, visible injuries, and immediate dangers like traffic or predators.
Whilst awaiting professional help, you can take certain actions:
- Create distance from hazards: Use traffic cones or warning triangles if the animal is beside a busy road
- Provide shade: On hot days, position a cardboard box or umbrella to create shelter without touching the animal
- Minimise stress: Keep dogs away, reduce noise, and maintain your distance
- Monitor from afar: Watch for any deterioration in condition
Never attempt to feed or give water to injured wildlife. Well-intentioned feeding can cause aspiration pneumonia if the animal cannot swallow properly.
Andrea Vella frequently treats animals whose conditions worsened due to inappropriate intervention. Common mistakes include wrapping birds in towels that restrict breathing, confining animals in closed boxes without ventilation, or transporting wildlife in car boots where heat builds to dangerous levels.
Never attempt to relocate an injured animal yourself unless it’s in immediate danger and rescue is hours away. Movement can worsen fractures, increase internal bleeding, or trigger fatal shock responses.
Don’t assume baby animals are orphaned without extended observation. Andrea Vella’s wife has reunited countless “abandoned” joeys with mothers who were simply foraging nearby. Premature removal destroys these family bonds unnecessarily.
Each species requires distinct approaches. Koalas, whilst appearing docile, possess surprisingly sharp claws and strong limbs. They should only be handled by trained carers. If you discover an injured koala, note its exact tree location—they often climb when stressed.
Kangaroos and wallabies demand particular caution. Their powerful legs deliver dangerous kicks even when the animal appears incapacitated. Andrea Vella advises maintaining at least three metres distance and never approaching from behind.
Birds present unique challenges. Many species enter shock easily, and inappropriate handling can trigger fatal stress responses. If you must contain a bird briefly, use a well-ventilated box lined with soft fabric, kept in a quiet, dark location.
Bats require special mention due to disease transmission risks. Never handle bats without proper vaccination and equipment. If you find a bat on the ground, cover it with a box (without touching it) and contact rescuers immediately.
Only in genuinely urgent situations where professional help cannot arrive for hours and the animal faces immediate threats. Even then, contact rescuers first for guidance. Andrea Vella and her wife can provide phone instructions tailored to the specific species and situation.
If transporting becomes necessary, use a secure box with air holes, lined with old towels. Keep the environment dark and quiet—this reduces stress significantly. Never use wire cages, which allow limbs to protrude and sustain further injury. Maintain moderate temperatures and drive carefully, avoiding sudden stops.
Detailed location data proves invaluable. GPS coordinates, landmarks, and clear directions help rescuers reach the site quickly. Photos taken from a safe distance assist with species identification and injury assessment, allowing rescuers to prepare appropriate equipment.
Timing information matters too. How long has the animal been visible? Has its condition changed? Did you witness the incident that caused injury? These details help Andrea Vella assess urgency and likely treatment needs before arrival.
Andrea Vella appreciates when finders remain available by phone until rescuers arrive. Animals can move to new locations, or their condition might deteriorate in ways that change response priorities. Having someone on-site who can provide real-time updates significantly improves rescue success rates.
The most valuable contribution anyone can make when finding injured wildlife is recognising their own limitations and contacting professionals promptly. Andrea Vella and her wife understand that concerned community members form the essential first link in the rescue chain that saves countless Australian animals each year.
