Wildlife Emergency
Found Injured Wildlife?
If you find a wild animal that appears injured, sick or orphaned, seek advice before attempting to handle or move it. The right response depends on the species, its condition and the safety of the situation.
Start Here
1.
Keep yourself safe.
Stay clear of traffic, water and other hazards. Keep children and pets away from the animal.
2.
Call for advice.
Contact a wildlife rescue organisation or, once open, Margaret River Wildlife Hospital. Describe the animal, its condition and its exact location.
3.
Follow the instructions you receive.
Only contain or transport an animal if the wildlife professional advises that it is safe to do so.
Sick or dead birds and marine mammals
Do not touch, collect or transport sick or dead birds or marine mammals. Keep people and pets away. From a safe distance, record the location and take a photo or video if possible, then report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Follow the advice of the responding authority before taking further action.
Current WA guidance is available at wa.gov.au/birdflu.
Please call before bringing wildlife to the hospital. Our team or a rescue organisation can advise whether the animal should be moved and how to transport it safely. Admission arrangements may vary for animals with suspected infectious disease.
Do not attempt to handle dangerous animals or animals you cannot safely identify. Do not put yourself at risk to capture wildlife.
Safe containment and transport
What not to do
Do not give food, water or medication unless a wildlife professional tells you to.
Do not assume an animal alone needs rescuing; seek advice, especially for young wildlife.
Avoid unnecessary handling and keep pets away.
After hours and before opening
The hospital is scheduled to open on 13 November 2026.
Before opening, and outside confirmed admission hours once open, contact an established wildlife rescue service for advice.
Seven-day care does not mean the hospital is open 24 hours a day.
Wildlife rescue organisations in the South West
Wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators play an essential role in getting animals to care. Use the contact directory below to find an appropriate local service.
Geographe Bay from Yallingup to Capel and Margaret River
Geo Bay Wildlife Rescue Inc.
Wildlife Rescue - 0488 721 424
Swan & Cygnet Rescue - 0497 053 427
Operating Hours - 24 hours
Website - https://www.geobaywildliferescue.org.au/who-we-are
South West Western Australia
FAWNA Inc.
Wildlife Emergency & Snake Relocation - 0438 526 660
Operating Hours - 24 hours
Website - https://www.fawna.com.au/emergency/
South West Western Australia
Western Australia Seabird Rescue Group (WASR)
Phone - 08 6102 8464
Operating Hours -
Website - https://wasr.org.au/
Statewide Phone Referral to your nearest wildlife rehabilitator
DBCA Wildcare Helpline
Phone -
Website - https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/wildlife-and-ecosystems/animals/wildcare-helpline
Please check individual services for up to date operating hours and species restrictions