WILDLIFE TOLL OF SEVERE STORMS: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
TOOWOOMBA residents can generally get out of the path of a raging storm, however wildlife is not always so lucky.
Lazarus, the white cockatoo that was almost killed when a severe hail storm hit Kingaroy early last month, became the face of bad weather‘s toll on wildlife.
A dairy farmer rescued Lazarus, who was lying on the ground after being stunned in the downpour. He was nursed back to health and later released.
Toowoomba wildlife rescue area co-ordinator Carol Walker said the animal toll of storms was often overlooked.
“With the recent storms in Oakey, the winds were horrific, and we got a lot of rescue calls,” Mrs Walker said.
“Many of the call-outs were for birds. They had been fledging, and many tried to fly from the nest during the bad weather.
“We probably rescue tawny frog mouths and baby kookaburras the most - they are terrible nest builders, and the babies often fall out in a strong gust.”
Mrs Walker said while there were few preventative measures to protect wildlife in storms, people could help the animals in the aftermath.
“It’s a myth that birds won’t return to their babies if people have touched them.
“With birds that have fallen from nests in the storm, we recommend you try to place them as close to the nest as possible, and monitor them for 48 hours.
“Keep all pets locked away to prevent further issue to the bird.
“If it has been injured then you should take them to your closest vet or call the local RSPCA.”
She said the rescue protocol was different for larger animals.
“We recommend the use of a towel to pick up the animal, and place it in a dark box with no food or water. From there it is easy to transport to the closest rescue service or vet.”
Mrs Walker said it was not only storms that were damaging.
“We see a lot of animal fatalities during drought,” she said.
“A lot of animals come to the road in search of food, and we get a lot of calls to come and euthanize the ones that have been hit by cars.”
Mrs Walker tours schools within the Darling Downs, educating children on local wildlife.
“It’s important to start animal education early,” she said.
“You can tell your kids that if they see an injured animal, they should make sure any household pets stay away and they should tell a parent.”
For more information on wildlife rescue contact RSPCA Toowoomba on 4634 1304.