Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary has put out an urgent appeal for help following an unprecedented spike in wildlife rescue needs. In January, 221 patients were admitted to their wildlife hospital, surpassing the previous record of 200. By midday on the day the appeal was announced on their Facebook page (16 Feb) they’d already received 55 calls from members of the public about wild animals in need of rescue. They had 27 animals in the intensive care nursery, and a total of 55 patients undergoing assessment and rehabilitation on site. As the plea states: “Calls to our Rescue Service are increasing by roughly 1,000 each year. Admissions to our hospital are up too. And the number of Registered Wildlife Rehabilitators in our community is decreasing, limiting our options to send injured and sick animals to off-site locations with specialist carers. For many of the animals that arrive here daily, Bonorong will be their home for the duration of their rehabilitation journey. Meanwhile, new cases continue to come in.”

They’re asking for help to raise funds for urgent upgrades to the wildlife nursery and other enclosures to cope with the increased demand. They have set a goal to raise $150,000 by 6 March. If you have the capacity to help head to www.friendsofbonorong.com.