HELP US TO HELP OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE The story began in April 1993 when a small nucleus of dedicated carers responded to a public call from the Department of Environment and Heritage for volunteers to assist with the caring and rehabilitation of a growing number of native fauna being referred to the Department for attention. These animals many of which are unique to our rainforests, were either injured, ill or orphaned and desperately in need of help that no organisation had been established to provide. This small group of carers, under the guidance of local DEH officers, soon identified a real need for a co-ordinated network of rescuers and carers for our native wildlife. Today, years later, FNQ Wildlife Rescue Association recieve more than 400 calls per month for assistance with animals in distress or simply for information and advice. Since 1993 we have helped more than 1,000 animals including many on the vulnerable, rare or threatened list. These include birds, reptiles and mammals. What should I do if I find an injured native animal? The FNQ Wildlife Rescue Association is here to help answer all your questions about native wildlife. We also provide care for sick, injured, orphaned native birds and animals. Once they are healthy and capable of fending for themselves, they are rehabilitated back into their natural environment in a safe location. Why do so many of our native birds and animals require care and rehabilitation? The natural habitats and food sources for our Australian native fauna are constantly being eroded and these animals are being exposed to increasing risks from predators and ' unnatural' dangers. Road and air accidents account for many of the casualties brought in for care, attention and rehabilitation.   What are the aims of the FNQ Wildlife Rescue Association? To provide mutual assistance, support and information about the care, rehabilitation and release of wildlife. To encourage education in the community about the conservation of native fauna and their habitats. To assume responsibility for the early assessment of sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife. To provide appropriate care for native wildlife suitable for rehabilitation To adequately prepare these animals for survival in the wild when they are released. FNQ Wildlife Rescue is an independent, non-profit organisation incorporated by the authority of the Justice Department and operating under the guidance of the QLD Department of Environment and Heritage. How can I learn about caring for native wildlife? Throughout the year the conducts a number of 'hands on' training workshops relating to different species of native fauna. These workshops are organised by 'experts' in their particular areas of knowledge and depth of experience. The training is geared toward the gradual development of expertise and confidence in the caring for sick, injured or orphaned birds and animals. Would you like more information? If you would like more information about the Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue Association, please phone +61 (07) 40 534467 or write to: P.O.Box 7546 Cairns, QLD, Australia, 4870 or visit our centre in Cairns at 114 Hoare St (cnr Cominos Place ) It is open daily from 8am to 5 pm (Sat & Sun 9am - 5pm ) and is a drop point for people finding animals ( native wildlife only ) that need care or Vet assessment. The clinic is run by Dr Annabelle Olsson who is a founding member of the association. The centre is also an information centre and the public is welcome to come and talk to us. Other Wildlife Rescue Links.. ACT Wildlife Foundation Australia Koala Hospital Association Native Australian Animal Rescue Wildlife Welfare Organisation of South Australia Australian Wildlife Fauna Care and Release Inc. South Australia The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory Australian Mammal Society Whirrakee - Victoria Australia Australian Capital Territory Herpetological Assn. National Parks & Wildlife Service - New South Wales Wildlife Rescue - California Wildcare Ontario, Canada Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Central Florida This Site created & donated to the FNQ Wildlife Rescue Association by Jetsun Studios, Cairns, 1999. jetsunstudios@altnews.com.au Web Hosting donated by the Alternative News Network, Cairns.