Mt Barker Wildlife Hospital Inc

04/09/2026

Nabarleks are very secretive and difficult to distinguish from some other species of rock-wallaby. The best way to ascertain their presence is to search for s**t which has traces of DNA that can truly confirm its from a nabarlek.

They’re smaller than a cat and weigh little more than a bag of sugar. So, when rangers found them in WA’s Kimberley region, it gave renewed hope for their survival.

04/09/2026

NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY – CELEBRATING THE WILDLIFE THAT SHARES OUR WORLD

Today, on National Wildlife Day, we celebrate the incredible wildlife that surrounds us and recognise just how important every animal is to our environment, our communities and our future.

Wildlife is not simply something we see on the side of the road or in our gardens. Every species has a role to play in our ecosystem.

From kangaroos and possums to birds, reptiles, insects and the smallest creatures we often overlook, wildlife contributes to the health and balance of our environment. They help disperse seeds, pollinate plants, control insect populations, recycle nutrients and support the complex web of life that keeps our ecosystems functioning.

When wildlife populations decline, the effects can reach far beyond the individual animals. Healthy ecosystems depend on biodiversity.

So, how can we help?

There are many simple things each of us can do:

Slow down on our roads – especially around dawn, dusk and at night when wildlife is most active.

Plant native species – provide food, shelter and nesting opportunities for local wildlife.

Provide safe water – particularly during hot and dry weather, while ensuring containers are shallow and safe from drowning.

Keep cats and dogs contained – responsible pet ownership can save countless native animals.

Never feed wildlife inappropriate foods – human food can cause serious health problems and alter natural behaviours.

Make our properties wildlife-friendly – protect hollow-bearing trees, retain natural vegetation and provide safe spaces for animals to move through our properties.

Check injured wildlife carefully – if you see an injured animal, don't assume someone else will help. Contact your local wildlife rescue organisation or wildlife carer for advice.

And most importantly – speak up for wildlife.
Support wildlife carers, rehabilitation organisations, habitat protection and responsible environmental management.

At Mount Barker Wildlife Hospital, we believe that every injured, orphaned or vulnerable wild animal deserves compassionate care.

Wildlife cannot speak for itself. It depends on people who are willing to notice, care and act.

Today is a reminder that we don't own the environment we share it.

Every kangaroo, possum, bird, reptile, insect and tiny creature has a place in the natural world.

Protecting wildlife means protecting the ecosystems that sustain us all.

This National Wildlife Day, let's celebrate our wildlife not just with words, but with action.

Care for wildlife. Protect their habitat. Respect their place in our world.

"because very life matters"

Mount Barker Wildlife Hospital
Compassionate Veterinary Care for Injured and Orphaned Wildlife

03/09/2026

Living with Wildlife - September Edition Shire of Cranbrook Newsletter

20/08/2026

https://www.amariswildlifesanctuary.com/shop/p/art-raffle-to-support-mt-barker-wildlife-hospital

Jaffa here! My family is so excited to be helping raise funds for the amazing Mt Barker District Hospital . Honestly, where would our babies be without the wonderful people there who take such good care of them when they need it most? To help support them, we're holding a RAFFLE featuring so

19/08/2026

This little girl was brought in by caring member of the public. She has been given a clean bill of health and transferred to a registered carer.

It's joey season. If you see a deceased kangaroo during your travels, please stop if safe to do so. You could save a precious babies life.

17/08/2026

A Difficult Goodbye for a Special Little Night Bird

This Australian Owlet-nightjar was brought to us from Esperance by the wonderful team Esperance Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc after being rescued with a suspected broken wing. When there was little improvement despite a period of rest and supportive care, it was transferred to us for further assessment and observation.

Sadly, examination revealed that the wing had been fractured in two places and had not healed well enough for this little bird to ever safely return to the wild. After careful consideration, the difficult decision was made to humanely put him to sleep.

This decision is never made lightly. Our goal is always rehabilitation and release, but sometimes the kindest outcome is to prevent ongoing suffering when a wild animal cannot regain the abilities it needs to survive.

What made this particularly heartbreaking is that Australian Owlet-nightjars rely heavily on flight to catch their prey.

Although their name suggests otherwise, they are neither an owl nor a nightjar. They belong to their own unique family of nocturnal birds found only in Australasia.

These tiny birds, measuring just 19-25 cm, are among Australia's smallest nocturnal species.

They are remarkable hunters, using:
• Long facial whiskers called rictal bristles to help detect prey in the dark.
• A wide gape that acts like a net for catching insects in flight.
• Excellent night vision and hearing to locate movement in low light.
• Highly agile, acrobatic flight to pursue insects among trees and vegetation.
Their wings are not simply for getting from place to place. Owlet-nightjars depend on precise, manoeuvrable flight to catch beetles, moths, grasshoppers, spiders and other prey. A bird unable to fly properly simply cannot survive in the wild.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lynn and Andy, whose care, dedication and love gave this little bird every possible chance and for recognising he needed further assessment and ensuring he received the best care available.
Sometimes wildlife rescue ends in release. Sometimes it ends in making the hardest decision in the animal's best interests.
We're sorry we couldn't do more for this beautiful little bird, but we hope his story helps shine a light on one of Australia's most fascinating and often overlooked nocturnal species.

14/08/2026

This Kookaburra was admitted yesterday after being found highly disorientated, with signs suggesting it may have been struck by a vehicle.

The good news is that today our feathered patient is much brighter and more alert. Examination revealed a small graze on the inside of the right wing, but thankfully no fractures were detected. It is currently receiving Meloxicam for pain relief and anti-inflammatory support, along with topical treatment for the wound, and is resting comfortably while we continue to monitor its recovery.

Did You Know?
• Kookaburras are the world's largest kingfishers, even though they spend very little time fishing.
• Their famous "laughing" call is used to establish territory and communicate with family groups.
• Kookaburras can live for more than 20 years in captivity and several years in the wild.
• They play an important role in the ecosystem by helping control populations of insects, reptiles and small rodents.
• Kookaburras are not naturally native to Western Australia. They were introduced from eastern Australia in the late 1800s and early 1900s, reportedly to help control snakes and other pests. Despite this, they are protected as native Australian wildlife and receive the same legal protections as other native bird species.

Bird Flu Monitoring
As many of you will be aware, concerns regarding avian influenza (bird flu) continue across Australia. We are monitoring the situation closely and following advice and guidance from DPIRD.
While some veterinary clinics have made the decision not to admit birds at this time, Mt Barker Wildlife Hospital is continuing to triage and assess avian patients. Where appropriate and safe to do so, we will continue to provide treatment and care while following recommended biosecurity protocols.
If you find a sick or injured bird, please contact us before handling it so we can provide the most appropriate advice and ensure the safety of both people and wildlife.

Thank you to our community for continuing to support local wildlife care and rehabilitation.

03/08/2026

We Love Receiving Updates About Our Patients

There is nothing more rewarding than hearing how our former patients are doing, and little Bear holds a very special place in our hearts.

We have seen Little Bear several times over the past few weeks. He was not a well little man. While his twin sister, Belle, has continued to thrive, Bear faced many challenges along the way. Thankfully, with intervention from Dr Georgia, he was given the support he needed to get back on track.

With wildlife this young, every day is precious. Their tiny bodies are incredibly fragile, and recovery is often a day-by-day journey. Seeing Bear overcome so much has been both emotional and inspiring.

We are also incredibly grateful for the network of dedicated veterinarians who work tirelessly to give our wildlife a fighting chance. Before Bear became our patient after moving into our region, he had been under the care of Dr Sheree from Katanning Veterinary Hospital for several weeks.

Dr Sheree, your determination, compassion, and commitment to keeping this little boy alive were truly remarkable. You never gave up on him, and because of your efforts, Bear had the opportunity to stay beside his beloved twin sister and continue his journey toward recovery.

Wildlife care is a team effort, and stories like Bear's remind us how fortunate we are to work alongside passionate people who share the same goal: giving our native wildlife every possible chance to survive and thrive.

Thank you, Dr Sheree, Dr Georgia and thank you to everyone who plays a part in these incredible journeys.

Keep growing strong, Bear and Belle. We couldn't be prouder of you both.

31/07/2026

Living with Wildlife Series

29/07/2026

Australian Boobook (Ninox boobook)
Last Tuesday, this beautiful Australian Boobook was found on the side of Albany Highway while being attacked by crows. Thanks to the quick actions of the finder, he was brought into care for assessment and treatment.
On arrival, one of his eyes was completely closed and he was unable to keep it open. Fortunately, X-rays showed no fractures, although he did have a small wound over the radius/ulna area of his wing. As there was no bone exposure, we opted to manage the wound conservatively applying topical treatment and bandaging the wing for a few days to minimise movement and allow healing to begin.
After three days, the bandage was removed to allow the wound to air dry and continue healing naturally. The area has been cleaned regularly with dilute iodine and treated with Flamazine cream.
Unfortunately, earlier this week he developed significant corneal ulcers in both eyes. We have started intensive treatment, including eye medication, along with continuing his meloxicam for pain and inflammation and enrofloxacin to help combat infection. At this stage, we remain cautiously hopeful, but the prognosis is uncertain. For a nocturnal hunter like a Boobook, vision needs to be near perfect for successful release back into the wild. We're hoping the ulcers heal well, though further procedures may be needed if they fail to respond to treatment.
Today, he is heading to an experienced wildlife carer where he can continue his recovery in a quieter environment.
Thank you to everyone who helps injured wildlife make it into care. Every rescue gives these animals a chance they otherwise wouldn't have.
Did You Know?
• The Australian Boobook is Australia's smallest and most widespread owl.
• Their distinctive "boo-book" call is what gave them their common name.
• Boobooks are mainly nocturnal and rely heavily on their excellent eyesight and hearing to hunt.
• They feed on insects, small mammals, reptiles and even other birds.
• Unlike many owls, Australian Boobooks are often heard calling in suburban areas and can adapt surprisingly well to living near people.
• A Boobook's eyes are fixed in their sockets, which is why they can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees to look around.

Cases like this highlight exactly why a dedicated wildlife hospital building is so important. This little owl will require ongoing assessments, treatments, and monitoring by veterinary professionals, meaning multiple trips to and from the hospital during his recovery. Having specialised wildlife facilities available ensures animals like him can receive the consistent care they need, giving them the best possible chance of returning to the wild where they belong.