As the Central Coast was included with 26 other regions in being declared Natural Disaster Zones this week, the Australia Reptile Park issued an appeal to residents to keep an eye out for injured wildlife such as platypus, kangaroos, wombats, and koalas, with heavy rain, predicted to continue throughout the week.
The Park’s wildlife experts are calling on the public to help those that cannot help themselves – Australia’s unique wildlife.
Animals that are most likely to be flood affected include some of Australia’s most famous wildlife including platypus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas and koalas.
The Park’s Operations Manager, Billy Collett, said it is not just ground dwelling animals at risk during floods, with animal homes such as trees falling due to wind and rain conditions that can potentially injure and displace inhabitants.
The flooding also causes pollution to be swept into waterways causing chaos to aquatic species, he said.
“First and foremost, please do not put yourself in any danger when helping wildlife.,” Collett said.
“If you do come across an animal in need of assistance call your local wildlife rescue organisation to collect the animal and keep it safe.”
Collett said the Reptile Park was faring well, with all animals safe, but staff were on standby to jump into action if necessary.
“Staff are no strangers to flooding with January, 2020, seeing the Park closing due to two separate flooding events,” he said.
Residents coming across animals in peril can contact WIRES (1300 094 737) or Wildlife Arc (4325 0666).
Source: Media release, Jul 5, 2022 Australian Reptile Park