Wildlife Carers Darling Downs Inc.

Animal Coordinator Register

Birds General
Coordinator’s Name
Lorraine McPhee
Contact Number
0412 183 569
Other numbers/notes
0448 062 857
The Wild Times Spring 2007
Raptors Angela Schmid 4630 8785 0407 178 171
Macropods Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207 The official newsletter of Wildlife Carers Darling Downs Inc.
Marcia Russell 4698 2096 0408 982 096 PO Box 567 Toowoomba QLD 4350
Possums Lyn Taylor 4697 9580 0428 757 058
Marcia Russell 4698 2096 0408 982 096
Gliders & Marsupial Mice Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
Koalas, Echidnas, Wombats Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
Clare Giover 4696 9860 0427 969 860
Insectivorous Bats Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
(microbats)
Flying Foxes Marcia Russell 4698 2096 (h) 46983 837 (w)
0408 982 096
Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
Reptiles Dale Howard 4635 1670
leave message
If the coordinators listed for each species are not contactable, a coordinator for a ‘like’ species may be able to assist
in an emergency. Last updated 6 Sep 2007

Rescue Hotline: 1300 555 555 Cut this page out and stick it on your fridge door, or
with pager number 85151 carry it in your car with a pillowslip and scissors.
or phone: 0448 062 857 remember: warm, dark, quiet!

Committee Members 2007 – 2008

Wildlife
crime knows
POSITION NAME PHONE MOBILE/EMAIL no borders
President Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207 page 9
sharonedrew@[Link]
Vice-President Lyn Taylor 4697 9580 0428 757 058
possumlynnie@[Link]
Secretary John Lahdesluoma 4636 0309 0427 330 904 NESTBOXES
john@[Link]
page 12
Treasurer Jo Waters 4696 9445 0410 669 818
[Link]@[Link]
Carer Coordinator Catherine Buchanan 4630 9562 0413 707 313
catpaws@[Link]
Fundraising Coordinator Sharon MacLeod 4630 3566 0413 058 082 Pip the baby Koala 6mths who was saved by Australia Zoo workers after his sick mother was brought
donmacleod230@[Link] to the Australia Wildlife Hospital. Photograph: Sharyn Rosewarne - Story page 8

Education Coordinator Pam Allen 4697 9397 © Newspix / News Ltd / 3rd Party Managed Reproduction & Supply Rights

Record Keeper John Lahdesluoma 4636 0309 0427 330 904

john@[Link]
Wildlife Carers Darling Downs Inc.
Newsletter Coordinator Alison McDonald 4638 4154 (h) 0414 706 876
4631 2069 (w) mcdonala@[Link] Rescue Hotline: 1300 555 555 with pager number 85151
Shop Coordinator Lorraine McPhee 4632 5032 0412 183 569 or phone: 0448 062 857
lorrimac@[Link]
Promotions Officer Sharon MacLeod 4630 3566 0413 058 082 [Link]
donmacleod230@[Link]
President’s Report Shop News
Hi all! appreciated. That also includes all those people that have put
Wambaroo IN STOCK BIOLAC
As the new President of Wildlife Carers Darling Downs I would up their hands to help out with BBQs and helping-out at days Size Description Item Price $ BIOLAC provides the most advanced milk
like to introduce myself, if you do not already know me. My name like Hampton Food Fest / Million Paws Walk etc., or picking up
1kg Canary Starter 6.00
formulas ever produced for Australian native
is Sharon Kajewski - I am one of the founding members of the animals and looking after the pager. animals. BIOLAC formulas contain fully digestible
group way back when there where only 5 of us, who decided 10watts Cosy Heat Pad - PVC 64.00
Now I would like to welcome any new committee members and carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and elevated levels
to start a group. I have been caring for approximately 20 years thank them for taking on the roles they have. Also, thankyou to 1kg Bird Crumbles 6.00
now, working my way up from possums to now mainly caring for
of many vitamins and minerals. The lipids have a
all those that have agreed to continue with the roles that they 5kg Bird Crumbles 23.25 more favourable balance of saturated, mono and
Gliders, Micro Bats, Koalas, Echidnas and Macropods. already had. This year we hopefully will be doing a lot of fund-
raising and promotion, which we hopefully will have a sub- 210gm Echidna Milk Rep - <30 6.85 poly unsaturated fats.
You will find me as the coordinator of these animals as well.
committee to help out the coordinator (Sharon MacLeod) - as 360g Echidna Milk Rep - >30 6.85 M100 formula for possums
Now I would like to say a huge thankyou to the committee this area is a huge one!
members from last year. (Hopefully I can fill the shoes of past
Now, last but not least, thankyou to the coordinators that do
120ml Feed Bottles 1.25 please contact Lyn Taylor
presidents). I would like to say a special thank you to Gayle
Gilligan, who for many years was our secretary. As well as looking their best to find homes for animals that come into care, and to
Blue Label First Aid for Birds 16.30 - $13.50 kg
after the pager and putting up with us, due to her accident, she educate new carers. And thankyou to the carers themselves. You 1kg Flying Fox Milk 19.80
can no longer perform these roles. Without Gayle the group put your hearts and souls into caring for our native wildlife 5kg Flying Fox Milk 78.45
would never have got off the ground - she has a wealth of through the good times as well as the bad, giving these very
knowledge is areas that we do not understand, and she kept us special creatures a second chance at life they would not have 1kg Granivore Rearing Mix 14.55
on track, and she will be missed terribly. Another huge thanks had - if not for people like you. 250gm High Protein Supplement 5.35
goes to Alison McDonald, who stepped up to the plate and I look forward to meeting you all and to a great new year with 1kg High Protein Supplement 14.55
filled in Gayle’s position - a big role to have taken on. We are all Wildlife Carers Darling Downs
grateful for the great job Alison has done. I could go on for pages 50gm Impact 11.45
thanking individuals but you all know that what you have done Sharon Kajewski 250gm Impact 42.20
for the group in the past years, and this has been very much President
1kg Insectivore Rearing Mix 14.55
5kg Insectivore Rearing Mix 58.30
1 litre Koala Milk - Early (220g) 6.85
1 litre Koala Milk - Mid (330g) 6.85

Prevention = Common Sense 1.5kg

1.5kg
Koala Milk - Late
Lorikeet & Honeyeater
26.45
20.75
With Spring and Summer 4.5kg Lorikeet & Honeyeater 54.65
approaching I would like
to put out a warning to all 1kg Parrot Pellets 6.00
of our carers, whether you 250gm Reptile Suppliment 5.30
care for birds, possums or 140gm Roo Milk Replacer - <0.4 6.85
macropods.
180gm Roo Milk Replacer - 0.4 6.85
During the Winter months 1.1kg Roo Milk Replacer - 0.6 26.45
I have become aware of
a problem that may get 5kg Roo Milk Replacer - 0.6 97.45
worse over the coming 10kg Roo Milk Replacer - 0.7 167.50
hotter months if we don’t 1kg Small Carnivore Food 14.55
get more rain.
5kg Small Carnivore Food 58.30
Animals are in search of water in unexpected places due to the STE1 Stethoscope 12.00
continuing drought. Pillar-shaped concrete bird-baths have
proved to be deadly! These are the concrete “pedestal” bird-baths Teat Syringe - VSM4 1.00
in which the bath is a separate piece to the stand. Animals have Teat SFF - Fly-Fox-Sml- (3/4/5 Ply) 1.25
had to be euthanased because of injuries they have received Teat MTM - Medium Marsupial 1.25
when the top part has fallen on them.
Teat STM - Sml Marsupial 1.25
This is a timely reminder to put plenty of water at ground Teat TM - Baby Marsupial 1.25
level for easy access. If you use larger containers or troughs,
please place a piece of branch in them. This will stop birds
from drowning when they happen to fall into the water Please contact Lorraine McPhee,
containers and can’t find a way out. Shop Coordinator for products listed
Lyn Taylor above.
Possum Coordinator
Mrs Usher of Toowoomba, Qld, with her birds. Many country women
 were renowned for taming and nursing wild birds and animals. 15
From Pioneer Women of the Bush and Outback by Jennifer Isaccs, Landsowne Press, 1990.
Events Calendar WILD Trades
Upcoming Workshops @ TREC Recently the group purchased a Humidicrib from the
Toowoomba Hospital auctions. We will loan the crib out to group
The following workshops are happening at TREC, Laurel Bank Park
members for any animals that may be in need. It has been agreed
Hall on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 1.00pm – 3.00pm in
that there be a $50.00 holding fee on the crib, which will be
October and November 2007.
returned to the borrower on the return of the crib. Please note:
October 21 - BATS (NOTE DATE CHANGE) there will be a form to be signed by the borrower stating that
they will return the crib in the same condition as it was lent out in,
November - REPTILES
and that if there are any damages to the crib it will be the borrows
If you are interested in attending or would like any additional responsibility to repair it. At the moment I have the crib at my
information please contact the relevant species Carer Coordinator house in my garage and I can be contacted on 07 46155 876 or
listed on page 3. 0438 340 775 to make arrangements for it to be loaned out.
Magenta King
WCDD Library
WCDD have a library at TREC with the availability to borrow books
and publications. Arrivals
Logan Alexander King was born to Magenta and Jason on
New Members June 30, shortly after 11am. A little brother for Soren.

Welcome to all of our new members

Departures
Tara Blatch - I’m currently studying to be a vet nurse. I have always
had an interest in animals and wildlife. I would love to be a carer, I
Mike Holmes Founding member, President, mediator and
mentor of F.A.U.N.A. (Foster Care of Australia’s Unique Native
couldn’t think of a better way to give back.
Animals) departed this world this winter.
Lynn Bryce - Have worked as a volunteer before with RSPCA, in Mike was passionate in what he made his life’s work, which
Kingaroy and Bougainville (New Guinea). Also volunteer for Riding of course was wildlife. Come rain hail or shine, day or night
with Disabled, Toowoomba regardless of the species, if an animal needed his help, Mike was
Andrea Elks - I live in Murphys Creek with my husband and two a man that never ever turned down a rescue. That also applied
girls and our menagerie. to any carer, giving them the necessary help and support when
needed. Mike & Sue’s door was always open.
Judi and Brendan Grey
Mike leaves behind his wife Sue of 33 years, his daughter Debbie
Lesley S. Little from a previous marriage and 3 grandchildren who reside in
Carolyn White and Dereck Horrell England - whilst Sue knows she has the support of close friends
and fellow carers within the wildlife community to call upon if
If you are a new member and have been missed out of this list, I needed.
do apologise, and we’ll endeavour to have you in next time.
Mike’s main dream was to set up a Wildlife Hospital or Stabilisation
Facility for our Native Wildlife whilst working in conjunction
Permits with the Moggill Koala Hospital, Australia Zoo and to educate the
veterinary students at the Gatton University on the handling of our
Attention all Carers
native wildlife. His wife Sue has taken it on board to complete his
Is your permit up to date? dream, and please no one underestimate this woman she is just
as determined and annoying as Mike was.
We are trying to update our permit list and need to know
if anyone is missing their permit. Please contact the carer Mike’s passing has had an enormous impact within the wildlife
coordinator Catherine Buchanan with your details. community, and he will be greatly missed by all. It is a shame they
Email: catpaws@[Link] or mobile 0413 707 313 broke the mould, because there will never be anyone that can
hold a candle to him. Our thoughts and hearts are with you Sue.

APOLOGY: Due to a misunderstanding, our scheduled Sheree Crawford

meeting at Highfields Tavern was at TREC. We apologise for
any inconvenience caused.

Meetings and Gatherings SPRING

Date Type Where Additions
tuesday 9 october 2007 Gathering Highfields Tavern
tuesday 13 November 2007 Meeting TREC Pot Luck*

*Bring a plate WCDD Christmas Party will be held at 2 Stonehaven Street Toowoomba on
Saturday December 8 starting 3pm. Please bring your own meat/whatever,
and a plate to share. Contact Alison on 46384154 to RSVP by December 1.
3
Fundraising News
Spring Fundraising BBQs
In Winter we had stalls at the RSPCA MILLION PAWS WALK,
HAMPTON FOOD and WINE FESTIVAL and WORLD ENVIRONMENT
DAY... thankyou so much to our volunteers - Lois B, Pam A,
Susanne P, John L, Lyn T, Lorraine M, Alison M, Sharon K and 29 October (Sunday)
Sharon M... and more! Lancasters Antiques Auction House
Railway Street Toowoomba
We also had fundraising BBQs at Landcasters Auction House, selling
yummy hot sausages on bread and steak sandwiches, softdrinks
and various tasty snacks cooked to perfection by Sharon and Don 4 November (Sunday)
McLeod. John Lahdesluoma donated a tent to the group, and it Lancasters Antiques Auction House
been fantastic at fundraising events. Railway Street Toowoomba

If you contact Lorraine McPhee or drop in to TREC at Laurel Bank If you are interested in helping at a BBQ
Hall in Toowoomba, you can purchase WCDD logo bags, logo please contact our Fundraising Coordinator
shirts and new logo wide brimmed hats. The hats look fantastic Sharon MacLeod.
for summer and are incredibly sensible! (Put the hats on your
christmas shopping list).
Other ways of assisting Sharon with
fundraising are to sell Cadbury fundraiser
chocolates, WCDD pens, and WCDD wildlife
greeting cards.

World Environment Day

(left to right) Lois Barry, John Lahdesluoma, Jake Venz, Sharon
Hampton Food and Wine Festival
McLeod, and baby human Lincoln Venz.
(left to right) John Lahdesluoma, Sharon Kajewski
and Chris Drew.

Insurance is an irritation but

losing an asset can be most
inconvenient!
Let me take the irritation out of organising your insurance.
Local Mobile Insurance Agent servicing Toowoomba, Crows Nest & surrounds. I will come to you.
I can help with all your insurance needs.
Specialising in Life Insurance, Business, Farm, Home & Motor Vehicle.

Marcia Russell
Mobile: 0408 982 096 Phone: 0746 131 326 Fax: 0746 131 323 Email: marcia@[Link]

Maranoa Insurance Services Pty Ltd Authorised Representative Number 234758.

Authorised Representative of Suncorp Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 50 010 844 621 AFSL No. 229885

Suite 6/256 Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350

2007 Annual
Open day & Conference
Held on Saturday 28 July and Sunday 29 July

‘I would like to thank everyone who became involved in the

Weekend Conference. Without the input of many members the
Conference would not have eventuated. I was very impressed
with the professional Poster and Carers displays.
I would like to extend special appreciation and thanks to the
members who donated their entire weekend to help run the
event!
Also to:
John Lahdesluoma for his considerable help in moving the
display boards on Friday night and delivering and setting up his
BBQ for the weekend.
Alison McDonald for donating an enormous amount of her time
and expertise in the collation and production of professional
posters for the displays.
Sharon McLeod, who was given the extraordinary task of proving
food throughout the weekend when she had absolutely NO idea
of the number of people attending... and to Val Adamson for her
excellent yummy slices.
I will be running another Conference next year BUT the event
will be held at the end of May over one day only and along the
format of Guest speakers and displays. Compact version of this
year. I am also looking at shifting the venue to the James Byrne
centre.

’
- any Ideas would be greatfully appreciated.
Lorraine McPhee
Conference Convenor
Top: Susanne Pearce,
Lyn Taylor, John
Laudesluoma, Lois
Barry and Sharon
McLeod get into the
superb tucker.
Bottom right: Marcia
Russell and Pam
Allen catching up
Bottom left: John
Lahdesluoma on the
job with the website
and loo paper, and
Catherine Buchanan
ponders live food.

5
Our wonderful Conference Caring tips / stories
Speakers Bat News
As you would imagine it is getting a bit cold up here now so it is fairly quiet
Marcia Russell on the batty front. In the last 3 months I have had 4 rescues, one net-caught,
Marcia has been a long time member of Wildlife Carers Darling two barbed-wire and one rather unusual sub-adult caught in a stormwater
Downs which has included holding the position of President. drain.
Marcia started out caring for Macropods and Possums and Surprisingly the net-caught was only lightly tangled, no horrible constriction,
the occasional Bird. Unfortunately for the Birds, Marcia quickly so I just released straight out again. One barbed-wire rescue had compound
discovered that they were her least likable creatures and decided forearm fracture and was euthanased and the second only had very minor
to turn her acquired skills to Flying foxes. membrane damage and was also released after a couple of days.
Flying foxes are her passion and Marcia has quickly developed an
in depth knowledge, and passion for the beautifully intelligent But the interesting one was a large baby that had made his way to a
creatures. stormwater drain in the City Centre of Toowoomba. We were intrigued as to
how he made it to the drain he was in. He was unable to fit through the grate
Veronica Newbury at the top and this drain did not opted directly to the road. He somehow got
Veronica runs the environmental education programs for into a situation where he was in the water and washed quite a way into the
Toowoomba City Council as well as initiating the Bushcapades drain he was found in. It was also a drain behind shops that not many people
School Holiday Program for Council. She also supports a number walk near. The people that found him were very practical and put a broom
of community groups interested in environmental issues and handle into the drain for him to hang off as he was swimming around. We
projects. are not sure how long he had been in there as it had been a couple of days
Paul Mander since it had rained in Toowoomba. The Council had been called and were
Paul is one of Australia’s most experienced and sort after Raptor taking their time. I just wanted him out, I could see how exhausted he was
carers. and he was shivering from being wet. The water was quite smelly as well.
Born and raised in England with Raptors as his constant I tried desperately to manoeuvre him out, but the slots in the grate were
companions, Paul is a second generation Raptor specialist, as he just too narrow. There were some plumbers working close so one of them
follows closely in the foot steps of his father. kindly came with a heavy bar and lifted the concrete grate. I wrapped him
Living near Nerang,on the edge of a National park, Paul is our immediately and began gently drying him off. He was so skinny. In my years
principal contact when it comes to caring for and rehabilitation of of caring for these wonderful creatures he was probably the thinnest I have
large Raptors, Wedgetailed Eagles, Powerful Owls, Goshawks etc. ever seen. I laid him still wrapped in another dry towel in the bottom of the
Very experienced in Falconery, he is able to free fly is carry cage and hot water bottle underneath as he was too weak to hang any
Raptors to ensure absolute fitness before release. more – he was instantly asleep. I got home, weighed and measured – he
was less than ½ the weight he should have been – poor fella. I immediately
Janet Gamble
6 Current Committees representing RSPCA QLD:
got a heat pad organised and continued warming him up. I then gave
some glucose powder on his gums, as he for sure would be on his way to
QWRC (Qld Wildlife Rehabilitation Council).
hypoglycemia (his gums were pale). It may well have been a few days since
UrBAC (Urban Biodioversity Consortium Steering
he had anything to eat. He was almost too weak to open his eyes. An hour or
Committee).MMAC (Ministerial Macropod Management Advisory
so later he was looking out wide eyed. I made up the recipe from the Flying
Committee).CrocMAC (Ministerial Crocodile Management
Fox manual for severely malnourished Flying Foxes and started syringing
Advisory Committee). Janet is a regular speaker at our Conference
into his mouth. He gratefully accepted and took about 10 mls. I went back
and provides a Professional and entertaining account of Wildlife
a couple of hours later to check and see if he wanted some more but
Rescues, rehabilitation and most importantly, enviromental
unfortunately he had died. He had gone through too much, at least he was
preservation through the eyes of a member of RSPCA State
warm and had some food in his tummy, and at least he didn’t drown.
Wildlife Co ordinator and Professional Zoo keeper.
Marcia Russell - Animal Coordinator Macropods, Possums & Flying Foxes

Left: Paul Mander; below:

Marcia Russell; and below
left: Janet Gamble

Flying Fox in grate

Holding him out of the

water
Porter onto them and sit on my shoulder. I could then take hold of him, wrap him
in a pillowslip and place him on the scale. The dreaded day came when he
Porter came to me on October 31. Halloween Day in Canada, from where weighed enough and it was time to say good-bye. I had been steeling myself
I come. A day filled with ghosts, goblins, witches and all things spooky. With for this and told him that it was time for him to see the big wild. I’m sure he
hindsight I should have named him Spook. He was a trembling 260 grams agreed and then we arranged it. We found the perfect tree not too close to
when Lyn Taylor turned him over to me. “A victim of a dog attack”, she said the house, but close enough where we could observe him and him us if he
and that’s all she knew about his past. He was my second possum to care for wanted to. I gave him the possum lecture about standing up for himself
and I thought he’d be a piece of cake like the first. How wrong I was. He was and not letting any other possums boss him around, staying off the road,
a frightened little thing. The startled movement startled him causing him to and told him that he could come home whenever he wanted.
tremble. My heart ached for him. All my soft words of comfort did little for
him. I watched him the first night come out his box and race up and down the
tree. He spent over an hour scent marking the tree before he settled down
He was a hard feeder too. I tried many different ways to feed him and in the and had a feed. The next morning, being an anxious mum, I had to know
end it was a matter of keeping a firm grip onto his head and forcing the milk whether or not he was back in his box. I called out to him and to my delight
into him. It didn’t take too long before he finally got the hang of it. Toileting he popped his head out. I was so excited that he was in his box. The second
him one day I noticed there was an orange tinge on the baby wipe. I thought night he was out it seemed he took my last words to him literally. He came
it a bit odd but didn’t think much about it at the time. I assumed that it was home. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him waddle up to the patio. I
residual medicine from when Lyn had treated him after the dog attack. Over didn’t know what to do. I went out and talked to him and yes I gave him an
the days to come the orange became more predominant and he looked wet. almond, but I told him he had to go back to his tree. I felt horrible and closed
Since there was a meeting coming up I took a used baby wipe and asked the door on him. He didn’t leave and I finally went out and picked him up and
Lynn “Why is my possum turning orange?” She took one look and gave me carried him back to the tree. That didn’t work either he followed me back to
the dreaded news that he more than likely had stress dermatitis and needed the house. I gave up and left him to his own devices, he seemed so desperate
to be on antibiotics. I got the antibiotics for him, and over the course it to come in and in the back of my mind I could hear the words from the carers
seemed to be getting worse rather than better. He stank to the high heavens, conference “they are not pets, they must be released”, he finally left and I
lost all the fur on his tummy and legs. He looked pitiful. wanted to cry. He was back in his box in the morning and I thought, “This is
After much consultation with both Lyn and Trish LeeHong it was required great, he’s going to stay in his box.” Wrong. He wasn’t in his box for the next
that I needed to bathe him with a special shampoo that I got from the vet. few days and I was devastated. I tried hard but couldn’t help myself and the
Oh what fun to bathe a possum. I put him in a pouch and as gently as I could tears flowed and I declared that “that was it”, no more nice possums, I only
began to sponge him down. Well you would have thought I was killing him. want mean nasty ones that you’d be glad to get rid of.
He cried and cried at this torture but never bit or scratched me. For that I was Well he came home again didn’t he? We were sitting out having dinner on
thankful. The worst part was still to come. I had to let him sit for 10 minutes the patio and who should rock up but Porter himself. He was running back
saturated in shampoo; as I started to rinse him the cries of protest were even and forth in front of the screen door to be let in and I thought, “bugger it!” and
louder. As I wrapped him up to dry him he trembled so hard I thought he let him in to do what ever he wanted to do. That turned out
would vibrate us out of the chair. I apologised profusely but he was not a to be having a little bit of a feed and wanting a cuddle.
happy boy. We all had to endure that twice a week for several weeks.
Finally the end was near, the antibiotics kicked in and the fur From that night on he came home every 7
began to grow back. He was a handsome fellow now night. He would stay for as little as 20
and was a healthy 791 grams. minutes and as long as a couple
of hours. He always had a feed and sometimes
Finally he was ready for a larger room, he had a cuddle. I got to know what tree he was
clearly outgrown the kennel he was in but hanging out in and could spot him doing
the need to be confined outweighed possum things. For a while his schedule
his discomfort of such a small space. was to come home during the week at a
I put him into the aviary and he was decent hour and on the weekends not
delighted. You could almost see show up until late. But would always
him smiling. He hung from his tail, turn up early on Sundays for dinner.
swung and played. He was gaining Typical teenage boy! As time went on
confidence and no longer trembled. he would come later and later, I noticed
As we have a screened patio area – that he didn’t want me to come too
mostly to keep our cats from roaming, close. He was turning feral.
we keep the aviary in the patio and
we were able to let Porter out to play. It Eventually he would come long after we
was good fun to watch him race around had gone to bed thus we’d never see him.
scent marking our shoes, our feet and We always knew he’d been there as the food
anything else he could find. He would have was always gone. One night I was up late and
a cuddle in your lap and then scurry off to do caught a glimpse of him sitting on top of the
more investigating. We have a stuffed parrot hanging cat’s scratching post eating a piece of corn. I quietly
above a ficus and that’s where he loved to be. He would opened the door and called out to him and he was off
perch on top of the parrot riding it like a bull rider in the rodeo. like a shot. He clearly didn’t want to know me anymore. The
We spent many an evening watching his antics. But it all had to come to an patio enclosure continued to be his haven for several months and I continued
end. It was time for him to go out to the big house in readiness for release. I to leave him treats. His visits became less frequent and I haven’t seen him for
tried to explain to him it was for the best, but the look on his face when he over two months. I really miss his early evening visits but know that he is safe
realised we were no longer there was crushing. He got over it in a few days and wild doing all the possum things he should be doing.
and I admit I would go out and talk to him and give him a peace offering of Catherine Buchanan - Carer Coordinator
cheese. Anytime he heard my walking past the “big house” he would come
flying up to the door to say hello. Because Porter was so gentle, weighing
him was easy. I simply put my hands out to him and he would willingly crawl
Interesting News Articles :/ Cold, cold hearts kill koalas

:)
(COVER PHOTO) Courier Mail July 30, 2007
Campaign seeks end to commercial culling
Pip the koala is lucky. He was saved by workers at the Australian
Courier Mail August 30, 2007 Wildlife Hospital after his mother was brought in ill with disease.
Professional roo shooters and conservationists have joined forces to Hospital volunteer Wanda Grabowski said koalas were coming
end the commercial harvest of whiptail wallabies. under increasing stress from drought, cold weather and clearing of
Although the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service allows 25 000 vegetation.
a year to be shot, professional shooters take little more than 1000 As they entered the breeding season, risks increased dramatically as
based on the latest figures. the marsupials started moving from tree to tree to mate. That put
Wildlife Preservation Society spokesman Des Boyland said yesterday them at risk of attacks from dogs or being hit by cars.
the whiptail, one of Australia’s most beautiful macropods, should be The hospital, part of the Sunshine Coast’s Australia Zoo, had 40 to 50
taken off the commercial harvest list. koalas and numbers showed no signs of easing, Ms Grabowski said.
Although overall numbers were not of concern, the once-populous “Eucalypt leaves have low nutrition value anyway and with the
wallaby was in trouble in some areas and needed protection rather drought and clearing, it means some koalas are basically starving,”
than harvesting. she said.
Queensland is the only state that still allows commercial harvest of “They are coming in emaciated with low body weight and this
the whiptail wallaby - also known as the pretty face. means in such a stressed condition they are likely to contract
Mr Boyland said he had asked the Environmental Protection Agency disease.”
to formally end the cull. Ms Grabowski said clearing for urban expansion was continuing at
“If they are only shooting them for skins, a fair dinkum shooter such a rate that the hospital had received several koalas that had
wants to maximise dollars back from every bullet,” Mr Boyland said. been knocked out of trees by bulldozers.
“He’ll go for a species that will give you a carcass as well as a skin. Other animals brought in included possums, reptiles and birds.
“On top of that, they are very small wallabies. There’s just no point to Brian Williams
shooting them.”
Kangaroo Industries Association executive officer John Kelly said
whiptails were not an economic species and his organisation had
:( Coast swamped by flying foxes
no issue with them being taken off the shooting list. Courier Mail August 4, 2007
“The harvest is in the order of hundreds a year, so it’s Eco-vandals are being blamed for an invasion of flying foxes on the Gold
8 not a commercial issue for us”, Mr Kelly said. Coast.
“The only issue we have is philosophical because they More than 2ha of swampland near Dulguigan in northern NSW has been
are a resource and (shooting) is appropriately controlled so there’s illegally cleared, destroying a breeding area for several species, including
no reason why they can’t be harvested. the grey-headed and black flying foxes.
“Having said that, it’s not something we are goind to oppose.” Since the clearing was discovered three weeks ago, Currumbin Wildlife
The highest number of whiptails shot was about 97 000 in the late Sanctuary has reported a 400 per cent increase in the number of injured
1950s, when there were no quotas. and starving flying foxes being brought into its veterinary hospital.

Environmental Protection Agency wildlife conservation branch “We have nearly 7000 flying foxes who had to disperse and find new
director Rebecca Williams said she raised the issue with kangaroo places,” said Currumbin Sanctuary’s senior vet Michael Pyne. “They’ve had
industry representatives at a Charleville meeting last week. to find new areas to live and in the process lots have been injured. Some
are starving, so they come down to the ground and cats and dogs are
“We’ve also put it to the macropod ministerial advisory committee,” attacking them.
Ms Williams said.
“That on top of there being a drought, there’s not much food about so
“I can’t say what the Minister’s decision will be, but there are very those two factors together mean that a large number of flying foxes are
few harvesters taking them.” coming to us injured.”
Mr Boyland said Whiptail Only about 100 flying foxes – a species listed as vulnerable – remain in
skins were popular with the cleared area near Dulguigan, which at one time housed more than
tourists because they 4000.
were so attractive. The
supple nature of the “It’s not just the flying foxes that have suffered in this – the area was also
skins also made them home to many native mammals, birds and reptiles,” Dr Pyne said.
ideal for making whips. He warned people not to touch injured flying foxes as they could carry
Brian Williams the deadly lyssavirus. People are advised to contact the sanctuary or a
local wildlife group.
Provided by Sharon McLeod
Andrew Potts
Provided by Sharon McLeod
:/ Scales of justice ;( THE ILLEGAL NATIVE REPTILE
Melbourne Age August 17, 2007
TRADE 9
What starts out as a teenage hobby for reptile enthusiasts can lead to a Native species commonly traded illegally:
murky world of criminal behaviour, stealing native species from the wild Black-headed python
for the lucrative illegal reptile trade. Found in the northern half of Australia and grows up to 2.5 metres
Seven properties, including a veterinary practice and a pet shop, were in length. Sold to pet stores for $1000 and retailing for $1500-$2500.
raided across Melbourne this week as part of a national effort to curb the Woma python
illegal trade feeding a growing demand to keep reptiles as pets. Found in WA, SA, Queensland and NT with various colour variations.
Operation Mystic, a 10-month investigation by 11 law enforcement, Sold by smugglers for $1000; retail $2000-$2500.
customs and environmental agencies across Australia, provided an Bearded dragons
insight into a sinister trade and led to four Melbourne men facing wildlife
Found across mainland Australia with different colour variations.
charges.
Sold to pet stores for $30-$50; retail $150-$200.
But Department of Sustainability and Environment senior investigator Keith Shingleback lizards
Larner says despite this week’s raids, it is very difficult for authorities to
Found in the southern half of Australia. Sold to pet stores for $30-
keep one step ahead of the culprits.
$50; retail $75-$100.
“There are groups of Victorians who jump in their 4WDs and go bush and Marbled geckos
it is very difficult to catch them as we don’t have the resources to follow
them for several days into the desert and, of course, they are not going to A 10-centimetre gecko found across mainland Australia. Sold to pet
do it when someone else is around,” he says. stores for $10; retail $55-$75.
Common long-necked tortoise
“These are people who make it their business to go into the wild and
steal native reptiles from the backblocks of Queensland, the Northern A freshwater species found in Queensland, NSW, South Australia
Territory, South Australia and Western Australia and keep some for their and Victoria. Sold to pet stores for $5-$10; retail $95-$120.
personal collections while selling off the rest to pet shops.”
There are around 9000 Victorians with licences to keep protected native Further reading:
wildlife and more than half of them are reptile enthusiasts. However, the [Link]
huge expenses involved in the hobby proves too much of a temptation [Link]/topics/environment/[Link]
for some to offset their costs with illegal trafficking.
Mr Larner says it is not uncommon for reptile collectors to face
electricity bills of around $2000 a quarter for the heating and
lighting of their enclosures.
With some native snakes and lizards fetching prices from $100 to $2500
in pet shops, some unscrupulous collectors have taken to stealing to
order.
Some also “launder” stolen reptiles by inflating the number of legally
bred animals in their licensed collections or replacing dead animals with
others taken from the wild.
State authorities often find links with illegal reptile trading and the drug
trade. Of those caught with illegal reptiles, 36 per cent are also found
with drugs and 15 per cent with unlicensed firearms and prohibited Tuesday 28 August started out as a normal unpredicatable day
weapons. for this Wildlife Carer. By late afternoon the day was to take an
Australian Customs Service national manager of investigations Richard unexpected turn.
Janeczko says that smuggling dangerous animals such as snakes and I received a phone call from the Police to collect a blue tongue
scorpions is attractive to outlaw motorcycle gangs because of the macho Lizard from a car in Bridge street.
appeal.
After persuading the Officers to “box the Lizard” and take it back to
“We don’t see them as a major player but certainly the bikie element the Station I decided to wait until after dinner before wandering
is intrigued by dangerous animals and, from our experience, bikies are down to collect the Lizard. Of course, I was in my most glamorous
involved in some wildlife smuggling,” he says.
outfit I could possibly find!!!.
While most collectors and pet shops are above board, the huge profits to Arriving at the Station I was excitedly ushered inside to be greeted
be made have created an underground network among collectors and by several official police and a Channel 9 camera man.
some retail shops.
The Lizard had caused quite a lot of excitement as it had been found
Since the Australian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulations in a car that had been travelling from Darwin to Brisbane.
Network was formed four years ago, information- sharing between
agencies nationally is helping investigators close in on the unscrupulous The Lizard is a beautiful sandy coloured Centralian Bluetongue
operators. which is only found in the desert of Central Australia.
“Instead of one person sitting behind a computer trying to catch a crook, The Environmental Protection Agency has been informed and the
you’ve now got people sharing knowledge across the nation ... Wildlife Lizard is now in care until it can either be returned to its original
crime knows no borders.” home site or relocated to a suitable Wildlife park.
Lorraine McPhee
Lorna Edwards
 Education
Chlamydia and koalas
Microbiology Australia, September 1999
At first glance there may seem no connection between
human strains of Chlamydia and those infecting that uniquely
Australian icon, the koala. While this might have been true as
recently as 1996, recent research has significantly changed
our understanding of chlamydial infections in this host.
Chlamydial infection is still the major disease infecting the koala
Phasocolartos cinereus1 2. The bacteria infect the urogenital tract
and eyes and can cause female infertility and impaired vision,
leading to blindness in severe cases. Chlamydial infection has
been found in almost all Australia’s wild koala populations and
in may zoo and sanctuary animals as well. In some instances the
impact of the disease has been profound. For example, on Phillip
Island, off the south coast of Victoria, 98 per cent of the females
have a urinogenital tract infection. As a result, 51 per cent of them
are infertile, with the overall reproductive rates reduced by some
22 per cent 3 4. However, at other localities levels of chlamydial
infection can be quite low and apparently stable, at least in
the absence of significant stress factors. It is now commonly
! Hi-ho Silver agreed that environmental stresses on koalas with an underlying
chlamydial infection may cause outward signs of the disease to
Taronga Park Zoonooz March 2006
develop. One problem with measuring the impact of chlamydial
Georgia Mike
disease is that the effects can take 5 – 20 years to become
Many people will be aware of the Silvereye as a small, yellow streak with
apparent in a population.
a ring of white feathers around the eyes, darting through the trees.
Prior to 1996, chlamydial strains infecting koalas were called C.
While there are several subspecies of Silvereye in Australia, the type that
psittaci, the same species that infects birds. Recently, however,
occurs in Tasmania is unusual - each year large numbers commence a
our work at Queensland University has changed this view and is
mass migration at the close of breeding season. Just 13
leading to a better understanding of koala chlamydial
centimetres long, the birds follow food supplies north for
infections 6-9. Studies in 1988 indicated that two generic subtypes
more than 1500 kilometres.
of koala Chlamydia (designated C. psittaci Type I and II) existed.
10 Not much is known about their migratory instincts, so Recent DNA sequencing sties have shown that Type I strains
recently, the University of Technology in Sydney has been are more than 98 per cent identical to the human strain of C.
studying individual birds caught wild in Tasmania. It has Pneumoniae and it is now widely accepted that they should be
been discovered that Silvereyes can take their bearings from the rising described as C. Pneumoniae, not C. psittaci. DNA sequencing
and the setting of the sun, and that they will also use light intensity and studies with Type II koala strains have shown that they should
the magnetic field of the earth to follow their course. They can even learn now be reassigned to the species C. pecorum. The species C.
major landmarks along the way. pecorum also infects sheep and cattle in Australia, as well as other
parts of the world.
Once the study was complete, however, it became apparent that it
would be difficult to release the birds back to their native Tasmania. So C. pecorum in koalas
UTS and Taronga Zoo established a plan to integrate them into their
Virtually all the wild populations of koalas studied (over eight
existing Silvereye population. That should increase the genetic pool of
separate populations in detail) are infected with C. pecorum 2,
this fascinating and beautiful bird for the country’s wildlife institutions.
with the only negative populations to date found in a few island
Provided by Alison McDonald colonies. Infection levels range from quite low (8 per cent) in some
populations to very high (over 90 per cent) in others. Even when
infection levels are high (73 per cent in one south east Queensland
:) Better net result population) the clinical disease levels are usually much lower (17
per cent). Current information suggests that C. percorum is the
Courier Mail, September 1, 2007 most prevalent chlamydial species in koalas; it can be found at
There’s more good news on the removal of light filament netting to both ocular and urogenital sites and is more likely to be associated
stop wildlife attacking fruit trees. Thanks to Mitre 10 removing this stuff with clinical disease - that is, C. pneumoniae (see below) - in this
in favour of heavier netting that does not kill wildlife, other stores are host 2.
following suit. It has always been assumed that sexual transmission is the major,
Wildlife carer Louise Saunders say Bunnings have agreed to look at the perhaps sole, route of transmission of Chlamydia between koalas.
issue with a view to getting rid of the light filament netting in about a However, while sexual contact is clearly and important mechanism
year. It’s hard to imagine why businesses would stubbornly keep carrying of disease transmission, out studies show that mother-to-
material that kills and maims so many creatures. young transmission is also a major transmission mode in certain
populations. Even more interesting was the finding that the strains
Provided by Sharon McLeod of C. pecorum found in koalas are genetically very diverse, yet
some are identical to strains found in sheep and cattle 7. Detailed
DNA sequence analysis now strongly supports the suggestion As a consequence of this recent work, the biovars of C.
that cross-host transmission between koalas and ruminants has pneumoniae are now clearly recognised. They can be
occurred, probably several times in the past 50-200 years (Figure distinguished not only by host preference (humans, horses,
1). Whether koalas or ruminants first had the disease is difficult to koalas) but also DNA sequence analysis at several gene loci (16s
prove, although identical C. percorum strains in ruminants from rRNA, 23SrRNA, ompAVD4, ompB, groESL intergenic region). The
Europe might suggest that at least some strains were brought to koala biovar seems genetically distinct from human and horse
Australia from other parts of the world (Figure 2). biovars at all loci tested. Amazingly, however, all 10 koala C.
Pneumoniae isolates studied to date are 100 percent identical. The
OCULAR DISEASE isolates represent a reasonable sampling of koala C. pneumoniae
strains, as they were from ocular, nasal and urogenital sites in
Figure 1: This koala
both diseased and healthy animals from six geographically
shows signs of
distinct poplulations. This lack of ompA4D4 polymorphism for
ocular chlamydial
koala C. pneumoniae is very similar to the human biovar of C.
infection, which
pneumoniae. There are several possible explanations for such
impairs visisan and
clonality: the infecting strain may only recently have moved
can in severe cases
into the new host species and there has not yet been enough
lead to blindness.
time for evolution to occur, the parasite clone may
Chlamydial infection
be particularly effective, via either its virulence or
is present in almost
transmission characteristics, and has thus recently
all Australia’s wild
replaced all other, less competitive clones in its host 11
koala populations.
species, or, in these biovars, ompA might not be a
good gene for measuring the total genetic variation
in the organism, possibly due to the fact that MOMP is not the
target of the host’s immune response in these biovars; hence the
ompA gene might not be under the same evolutionary pressure
to change continually as in other chlamydial species such as C.
trachomatis.
Whatever the case, koalas and humans have more in common
than once was thought, but only the test of time will tell whether
or not the koala is a good model for human C. pneumoniae
disease.
Acknowledgements
Figure 2: Possible evolution of Figure 3: Some strains of Thanks to the postgraduate students and staff from the
the koala strains of Chlamydia Chlamydia pecorum may have Chlamydia Research Group at QUT who contributed to the
pecorum. arrived from elsewhere. findings summarised here, especially regarding chlamydial
infections in koalas; also to the field workers, particularly those
from the Australian KoalaFoundation, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
C. Pneumoniae in koalas and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, for obtaining the samples.
C. pneumoniae infections are widespread in Australia’s free-range References
and captive koala populations 8. C. pneumoniae has now been 1. Brown et al (1987) Aust vet J 64:324-50.

identified in six widely geographically seperated free-range 2. Jackson M, White N, Giffard P & Timms P (1999) Veterinary Microbiol (in press).
3. Every (1986) Aust Wildlife Res 13:517-25.
populaitons from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and
4. Mitchell et al (1988) Aust Wildife Res 15:511-14.
South Australia. Infection levels, as detected by PCR/hybridisation, 5. Weigler et al (1988) J Wildlife Diseases 24:259-63.
appear to range from quite low (10 per cent at Queensland’s Gold 6. Glassic TV, Giffard P and Timms P (1996) Systematic & Applied Microbiol 19:457-64.
Coast site) to very high (89 per cent in the Mount Lofty Ranges, 7. Jackson M, Giffard P and Timms P (1997) Systematic & Applied Microbiol 20:187-200.
South Australia). Koala C. pneumoniae can be detected in both 8. Waldorp S, Fowler A, O’Callaghan P, Giffard P & Timms P (1999) Systematic & Applied Microbiol (in press).
urinogenital (5 to 62 per cent) sites in male and female koalas, 9. Girjes et al (1988) Infect Immun 56:1897-1900.

with no consistent site or sex bias. Infection levels are usually low-
Provided by Lorraine McPhee
grade, particularly in comparison with C. pecorum infections in the
same population.
It is still not entirely clear which diseases are caused specifically
by C. pneumoniae infections in koalas. In some free-range
populations at least, it apparently does not commonly cause
overt signs of disease 2, 8. However, because animals are often
co-infected with both C. pecorum and C. pneumoniae, disease
associations are difficult to determine. Recently, Wardrope et al
showed that the latter species also causes respiratory disease in
koalas. In a sanctuary episode, it was associated with a range of
respiratory signs, including difficulty in breathing, sneezing and
coughing, leading to a serious and often purulent nasal discharge.
In most cases, symptoms resolved in 1-3 months. Whether similar
signs of the disease are common in free-range populations is A couple of Clare Giover’s winter babies 2007
uncertain, although they are not often seen.
Creating a wildlife garden Wildlife Boxes - Points to Consider
Everyone needs a home Entrance Hole Size
Development, both urban and rural, has resulted in trees being cleared to If the hole is too small, then the animal or bird will not be
such an extent that a major wildlife habitat requirement - tree hollows - has able to fit through. If the hole is too large, then it may allow
almost disappeared from some areas. the entry of other birds or animals which you do not desire
Particularly hard-hit are the urban areas where large hollow trees and limbs to use the nesting box.
can be dangerous and are removed. Hole, hollows and cavities provide Box Diameter
roosting, refuge and nesting areas for species as diverse as owls, possums,
parrots and insectivorous bats and geckos. For many native animals, dead Various species of birds and animals have different
trees with their hollow nesting sites are more important than living trees. requirements for nestbox sizes and depth.
Consequently, the loss of hollows is a huge loss for our wildlife. Orientation
Trees Find out if the target animal or bird prefers a horizontal or
Hollow trees and branches were once very common. Trees grew large, vertical hollow.
branches died or broke, and termites hollowed them out. This can only Entrance Hole Position
happen with old, mature trees, but many of these have disappeared. Some
burn in bushfires evey year and some vanish when trees are chopped Most species require the hole at the top or end of the
down for farming and timber. These days, old dead trees are being rapidly nestbox, but some may require the entrance to be level
lost as they are cut for firewood. Whenever this happens, nesting sites are with the floor.
lost. Today many people are planting trees, but these take a long time to Roof
grow, mature and form hollows. While they are growing, they may provide
food and shelter for native birds and animals, but, by the time that they Some protection from the weather can be provided by an
become old enough to produce hollows, those animals will be too old to overhanging roof.
breed in them. As a result, some of our native species are becoming rarer Height
and rarer, as they are rapidly running out of hollows in which to breed the
next generation. The table gives suggested heights above the ground. Too
near the ground may not accommodate the flying patterns
What can be done? of birds, and more importantly, it may give predators access.
Large trees should be preserved wherever possible, dead branches should Mounting
be left and, hollow limbs in particular should not be
removed. We can do more than this. Fortunately for wildlife, The protection from rain, cold and direct light are the most
the loss of hollows can be rectified by providing wildlife important considerations. Normally a north east to northerly
12 boxes. Wildlife boxes can have a great range of shapes aspect is the best. Take care when mounting the nestbox
and sizes to accommodate the needs of various species. that you do not do permanent damage to the tree.
Supplementing the habitat gaps has several advantages. Extras
With roosting, nesting and retreat sites, species can survive in areas where
previously they couldn’t. A great educational opportunity arises. People Roosting perches are preferred by sparrows and starlings
who have a wildlife box find much enjoyment in observing the life-cycle and so are not recommended. Water based paints can be
of hollow users. Basically, wildlife was here first and has a right to provide a used on the outside of the box, but should not be used on
colourful part in the fabric of our everyday lives. the inside of the box or around the entrance hole.

This is what Operation Nestbox is all about.

Australia’s Precious and Scarce Natural Resource

Old, dying and dead eucalypt trees and mallees
1. As standing dying and dead trees* 2. As fallen trees, logs or stumps
These arboreal apartment houses provide breeding and
Specialised habitat for small mammals, reptiles,
shelter hollows for:
invertebrates, fungi, mosses, lichens and bacteria. The
17% (119 species) of native birds fungi and bacteria are involved in wood decomposition
42% (95 species) of native mammals and the re-cycling of nutrients. The fungi fruiting bodies
35% of arboreal reptiles (toadstools) associated with wood decomposition are a
?% of invertebrates critical food resource for some small mammals.
Standing dead or dying trees also provide dead staghorn If the present rate of loss of old eucalypt trees and mallees
(antler) branches which become launch and lookout trees continues into the 21st century, 100 species of mammals
for a large range of birds and heirarchy ladders for the and 90 species of birds will face the following sequence:
larger, gregarious parrots (cockatoos, corellas and galahs). rare > vulnerable > endangered >
extinct
*non-renewable resource for 100-250 years is the estimated time it would take to form significant hollows in mature eucalypt
trees or mallees
Box suitable for a bat

Suitable for rainbow lorikeet, rosella, and scaly breasted lorikeet.

Horizontal box for kookaburras etc.

Young kookaburras and other kingfishers need to excrete from the
front of the box, so a small sill (<40mm, don’t forget to allow for
shavings) is desirable. Notes as for general design.

Box for pardelotes

Internal diameter of entrance pipe must be 30mm. (Class 12, 25mm 13
water pipe has ID = 30, OD = 32)
 Baby tawny Field guide to
fledgling birds
...so you think I can’t fly!
Am I injured?
If so, please take me to the vet
: : otherwise : :
Baby friarbirds
Can I stand and walk?
Am I trying to fly?
Are my parents nearby?
If I am doing all of the above, I have
just left my nest and I am learning to
walk and fly.
Please put me in a tree near where
you found me.
Fledged bowerbird
My parents are looking for me - they
will continue to feed and care for
me.
Fledgling They are very important for my
crested pigeon survival and continual education.

Certificate III in Native Animal Biosecurity Surveillance Network

Rehabilitation Possum Relocation
Atypical lesions in Black Swans Wildlife and Mining Industry
Boxes and BagsTo the Rescue - IFAW’s Partnerships
role in rescuing animals Handling Large Raptors
Avian and Exotic Animal Acupuncture Frog Rehabilitation
You can visit [Link] to Bushfires and Wildlife The Value of Post-Mortems
read any of the following conference Fluid Therapy in Wildlife Wildlife Tracking and Software
papers. If you don’t have internet Zoonoses and the Wildlife Development
access and are particularly interested Rehabilitator Wildlife Conservation and Perth Zoo
in a topic contact the newsletter Rescuing Gilbert’s Potoroo Standards Development in Western
coordinator to have the article Platypus Diary Australia
printed out and posted to you.
Wildlife Warriors Flying Birds of Prey Prior to Release
Wildlife Friendly Fencing
Bobtail Rehabilitation Mentoring new Carers
Complementary Therapies for Wildlife
Care of Giant Petrels Friends of the Koala
Will There be Life After Cane Toads?
Antilopine Wallaroo Light-Microscopy Diagnosis of Faecal
Wildcare Helpline Samples
The Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat
Together we can Make a Difference
Post Mortem Examinations of Wild
Animals
President’s Report Shop News
Hi all! appreciated. That also includes all those people that have put
Wambaroo IN STOCK BIOLAC
As the new President of Wildlife Carers Darling Downs I would up their hands to help out with BBQs and helping-out at days Size Description Item Price $ BIOLAC provides the most advanced milk
like to introduce myself, if you do not already know me. My name like Hampton Food Fest / Million Paws Walk etc., or picking up
1kg Canary Starter 6.00
formulas ever produced for Australian native
is Sharon Kajewski - I am one of the founding members of the animals and looking after the pager. animals. BIOLAC formulas contain fully digestible
group way back when there where only 5 of us, who decided 10watts Cosy Heat Pad - PVC 64.00
Now I would like to welcome any new committee members and carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and elevated levels
to start a group. I have been caring for approximately 20 years thank them for taking on the roles they have. Also, thankyou to 1kg Bird Crumbles 6.00
now, working my way up from possums to now mainly caring for
of many vitamins and minerals. The lipids have a
all those that have agreed to continue with the roles that they 5kg Bird Crumbles 23.25 more favourable balance of saturated, mono and
Gliders, Micro Bats, Koalas, Echidnas and Macropods. already had. This year we hopefully will be doing a lot of fund-
raising and promotion, which we hopefully will have a sub- 210gm Echidna Milk Rep - <30 6.85 poly unsaturated fats.
You will find me as the coordinator of these animals as well.
committee to help out the coordinator (Sharon MacLeod) - as 360g Echidna Milk Rep - >30 6.85 M100 formula for possums
Now I would like to say a huge thankyou to the committee this area is a huge one!
members from last year. (Hopefully I can fill the shoes of past
Now, last but not least, thankyou to the coordinators that do
120ml Feed Bottles 1.25 please contact Lyn Taylor
presidents). I would like to say a special thank you to Gayle
Gilligan, who for many years was our secretary. As well as looking their best to find homes for animals that come into care, and to
Blue Label First Aid for Birds 16.30 - $13.50 kg
after the pager and putting up with us, due to her accident, she educate new carers. And thankyou to the carers themselves. You 1kg Flying Fox Milk 19.80
can no longer perform these roles. Without Gayle the group put your hearts and souls into caring for our native wildlife 5kg Flying Fox Milk 78.45
would never have got off the ground - she has a wealth of through the good times as well as the bad, giving these very
knowledge is areas that we do not understand, and she kept us special creatures a second chance at life they would not have 1kg Granivore Rearing Mix 14.55
on track, and she will be missed terribly. Another huge thanks had - if not for people like you. 250gm High Protein Supplement 5.35
goes to Alison McDonald, who stepped up to the plate and I look forward to meeting you all and to a great new year with 1kg High Protein Supplement 14.55
filled in Gayle’s position - a big role to have taken on. We are all Wildlife Carers Darling Downs
grateful for the great job Alison has done. I could go on for pages 50gm Impact 11.45
thanking individuals but you all know that what you have done Sharon Kajewski 250gm Impact 42.20
for the group in the past years, and this has been very much President
1kg Insectivore Rearing Mix 14.55
5kg Insectivore Rearing Mix 58.30
1 litre Koala Milk - Early (220g) 6.85
1 litre Koala Milk - Mid (330g) 6.85

Prevention = Common Sense 1.5kg

1.5kg
Koala Milk - Late
Lorikeet & Honeyeater
26.45
20.75
With Spring and Summer 4.5kg Lorikeet & Honeyeater 54.65
approaching I would like
to put out a warning to all 1kg Parrot Pellets 6.00
of our carers, whether you 250gm Reptile Suppliment 5.30
care for birds, possums or 140gm Roo Milk Replacer - <0.4 6.85
macropods.
180gm Roo Milk Replacer - 0.4 6.85
During the Winter months 1.1kg Roo Milk Replacer - 0.6 26.45
I have become aware of
a problem that may get 5kg Roo Milk Replacer - 0.6 97.45
worse over the coming 10kg Roo Milk Replacer - 0.7 167.50
hotter months if we don’t 1kg Small Carnivore Food 14.55
get more rain.
5kg Small Carnivore Food 58.30
Animals are in search of water in unexpected places due to the STE1 Stethoscope 12.00
continuing drought. Pillar-shaped concrete bird-baths have
proved to be deadly! These are the concrete “pedestal” bird-baths Teat Syringe - VSM4 1.00
in which the bath is a separate piece to the stand. Animals have Teat SFF - Fly-Fox-Sml- (3/4/5 Ply) 1.25
had to be euthanased because of injuries they have received Teat MTM - Medium Marsupial 1.25
when the top part has fallen on them.
Teat STM - Sml Marsupial 1.25
This is a timely reminder to put plenty of water at ground Teat TM - Baby Marsupial 1.25
level for easy access. If you use larger containers or troughs,
please place a piece of branch in them. This will stop birds
from drowning when they happen to fall into the water Please contact Lorraine McPhee,
containers and can’t find a way out. Shop Coordinator for products listed
Lyn Taylor above.
Possum Coordinator
Mrs Usher of Toowoomba, Qld, with her birds. Many country women
 were renowned for taming and nursing wild birds and animals. 15
From Pioneer Women of the Bush and Outback by Jennifer Isaccs, Landsowne Press, 1990.
 Wildlife Carers Darling Downs Inc.

Animal Coordinator Register

Birds General
Coordinator’s Name
Lorraine McPhee
Contact Number
0412 183 569
Other numbers/notes
0448 062 857
The Wild Times Spring 2007
Raptors Angela Schmid 4630 8785 0407 178 171
Macropods Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207 The official newsletter of Wildlife Carers Darling Downs Inc.
Marcia Russell 4698 2096 0408 982 096 PO Box 567 Toowoomba QLD 4350
Possums Lyn Taylor 4697 9580 0428 757 058
Marcia Russell 4698 2096 0408 982 096
Gliders & Marsupial Mice Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
Koalas, Echidnas, Wombats Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
Clare Giover 4696 9860 0427 969 860
Insectivorous Bats Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
(microbats)
Flying Foxes Marcia Russell 4698 2096 (h) 46983 837 (w)
0408 982 096
Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207
Reptiles Dale Howard 4635 1670
leave message
If the coordinators listed for each species are not contactable, a coordinator for a ‘like’ species may be able to assist
in an emergency. Last updated 6 Sep 2007

Rescue Hotline: 1300 555 555 Cut this page out and stick it on your fridge door, or
with pager number 85151 carry it in your car with a pillowslip and scissors.
or phone: 0448 062 857 remember: warm, dark, quiet!

Committee Members 2007 – 2008

Wildlife
crime knows
POSITION NAME PHONE MOBILE/EMAIL no borders
President Sharon Kajewski 4697 8207 0427 978 207 page 9
sharonedrew@[Link]
Vice-President Lyn Taylor 4697 9580 0428 757 058
possumlynnie@[Link]
Secretary John Lahdesluoma 4636 0309 0427 330 904 NESTBOXES
john@[Link]
page 12
Treasurer Jo Waters 4696 9445 0410 669 818
[Link]@[Link]
Carer Coordinator Catherine Buchanan 4630 9562 0413 707 313
catpaws@[Link]
Fundraising Coordinator Sharon MacLeod 4630 3566 0413 058 082 Pip the baby Koala 6mths who was saved by Australia Zoo workers after his sick mother was brought
donmacleod230@[Link] to the Australia Wildlife Hospital. Photograph: Sharyn Rosewarne - Story page 8

Education Coordinator Pam Allen 4697 9397 © Newspix / News Ltd / 3rd Party Managed Reproduction & Supply Rights

Record Keeper John Lahdesluoma 4636 0309 0427 330 904

john@[Link]
Wildlife Carers Darling Downs Inc.
Newsletter Coordinator Alison McDonald 4638 4154 (h) 0414 706 876
4631 2069 (w) mcdonala@[Link] Rescue Hotline: 1300 555 555 with pager number 85151
Shop Coordinator Lorraine McPhee 4632 5032 0412 183 569 or phone: 0448 062 857
lorrimac@[Link]
Promotions Officer Sharon MacLeod 4630 3566 0413 058 082 [Link]
donmacleod230@[Link]