Mt Barker Wildlife Hospital Inc

05/06/2026

Update on Mia

Dr Theresa visited Mia again this week to check on how her arm is coping in the cast. After a careful review, the cast was removed so the team could assess the break more closely. While everything is progressing well, the fracture is still stabilising, so a half cast was reapplied, along with firm strapping to provide continued support while ensuring comfort.

These cast adjustments are an important part of the healing process. As swelling reduces, casts can loosen, which may affect how well the arm is supported. Regular checks allow us to make sure the cast remains secure, properly aligned, and doing its job.

With the recent heavy rain, it was also especially important to confirm that Mia’s arm and cast remained dry—moisture can weaken the cast and cause skin issues, so this extra care really matters.

We also took a special moment during the visit to check in on Mia’s baby, just to ensure everything was okay following the sedation she needed. And it turned into a very exciting little highlight

It’s a girl!

Dr Theresa has the privilege of naming her, which makes this journey even more meaningful.

Mia continues to show incredible strength, and we’re so proud of how far she’s come.

02/06/2026

A glimpse into the future…

We’re excited to share an AI concept image of what we hope our new Wildlife Hospital in Mt Barker will look like. Our grant applications are now in, and we are one step closer to bringing this dream to life.

This is a major $1 million project, one that has already involved countless volunteer hours and in-kind support from our incredible community. The dedication shown so far has been nothing short of inspiring — and it’s only the beginning of what will be needed to make this vision a reality.

This hospital will be a huge asset for Mt Barker and the wider Great Southern region, not only supporting our unique wildlife, but also attracting visitors, education opportunities, and strengthening our town’s connection to conservation. It aligns closely with the Plantagenet Shire’s environmental vision, helping to protect and care for the natural biodiversity that makes our region so special.
Currently, wildlife care is being carried out from a veterinary clinic setting, which, while appreciated, is not ideal. Native wildlife have very different needs to companion animals — including quiet, low-stress environments, species-specific enclosures, rehabilitation spaces, and minimal human interaction to support successful release back into the wild.

Right now, there is no dedicated wildlife hospital in the Great Southern, meaning many critical cases must travel all the way to Perth. This can be stressful, time-consuming, and in some cases the difference between life and loss.

We are so excited to get this project off the ground — but we can’t do it alone.

If you would like to support this important work, even a small contribution can make a difference:
MT BARKER WILDLIFE HOSPITAL INC
BSB: 633 000
Account Number: 232142604
Containers for Change: C11668983

Every donation helps us move closer to providing the specialised care our wildlife deserve.
There has already been so much generosity through volunteer time and skills — and we are so grateful. Now, we’re asking our community to help us take the next step.
Because every life is important to the one living it.

01/06/2026

Thank you Shire of Cranbrook and Shire of Plantagenet for publishing our articles on "Living with Wildlife"

29/05/2026

Please check pouches...
Little lives depend on it.

This little one was found in a dead mums pouch. Someone didn't want to see the body get mushed into the road. When she picked it up she noticed the movement.

And another little life is saved.

20/05/2026

This little bird was found under attack by a flock of magpies. A member of the public, walking her dogs (on lead), was able to move close enough to disperse most of the attackers—however two remained relentless.
Thankfully, she is also a volunteer with a local wildlife sanctuary and knew immediate intervention was needed. Despite the parents being in the tree above, she safely rescued the bird and brought her into care.
On assessment, she was found to have a fractured ulna and a significant wound.
Dr Annaliese sutured the injury, and Nurse Tegan stabilised the wing with supportive bandaging. She has been started on pain relief and antibiotics.
She will now be placed with a specialist carer to support her through rehabilitation, with the goal of eventual release back into the wild.
At Mt Barker Wildlife Hospital, our ethos is simple:
every life is important to the one living it — from fur to feathers, scales to spikes.

19/05/2026

We are incredibly grateful to share this beautiful review from AWARE Wildlife Rescue Inc following Rosie’s journey with us 💛
Working alongside dedicated rescue groups like AWARE is an absolute privilege. Their commitment to giving wildlife a second chance is inspiring, and Rosie’s story is a perfect example of what can be achieved when carers and veterinary teams come together with a shared goal.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of her journey — seeing her now on the path to a wild future makes it all worthwhile.

19/05/2026

Western Grey Kangaroo Mia presented with a significant forelimb injury, involving fractures to both the radius and ulna. These are the two long bones of the lower forearm:

The radius is the primary weight‑bearing bone, essential for strength and stability during movement.
The ulna provides structural support and alignment, contributing to balance and proper limb function.

In wildlife, injuries of this nature are frequently associated with fencing entanglements, where animals become caught and sustain fractures while attempting to free themselves.

Following assessment, the clinical goal was to determine whether the fractures could be manually realigned and stabilised with a cast, rather than proceeding directly to surgical intervention under general anaesthetic. This approach was particularly important as Mia is carrying a joey in pouch, and minimising anaesthetic exposure was a priority.

Mia was sedated, and closed reduction of the fractures was performed. Throughout the procedure, real‑time X‑rays were taken to confirm correct alignment and stability of both bones. Once satisfactory positioning was achieved, the limb was immobilised in a cast and sedation was reversed.

The joey was assessed immediately following the procedure and remained stable throughout.

Post‑procedure, Mia is showing early positive signs, including using the limb for balance, which is encouraging at this stage. She will be closely monitored for swelling, comfort, and cast integrity, with follow‑up assessments planned to guide ongoing management.

This outcome reflects the value of timely intervention, careful case planning, and coordinated veterinary care, and highlights the importance of access to specialist wildlife treatment services.

17/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1aa6DnLari/

10/05/2026

06/05/2026

Burn‑Off Season – Please Consider Wildlife Before You Light Up

The free burn period has now started, and many households are preparing to burn the piles of branches, twigs, and logs that have built up over summer.
Before you strike a match, we ask that you please take a moment to consider our wildlife.
To animals like bobtails, snakes, lizards, echidnas, small mammals, birds, and frogs, these piles aren’t just garden waste — they’re warm winter shelters. As the weather cools, wildlife often moves into branch piles to hide, rest, and stay safe.

Before You Burn, Please:

Move the pile to a new spot if you can, and leave it for a few hours so animals have time to move on
If the pile is large and can’t be moved, start with a small section rather than lighting it all at once
Use a rake or long tool to gently disturb the bottom layers to wake any hidden animals and give them time to escape
Check carefully before lighting — especially early mornings and cooler days when wildlife is less active

We understand that on farms and larger properties, moving big piles isn’t always practical. Even so, starting slowly and giving wildlife warning can make a huge difference.

Did You Know?

Many reptiles and small animals become sluggish in cold weather and may not be able to escape quickly once a fire is lit. A simple check can save lives.

Living with wildlife doesn’t mean stopping what we do — it just means pausing briefly and making small adjustments.

Thank you for helping protect wildlife as we head into the colder months