Helping Hobart Help Wildlife

Discover what to do when wildlife needs help, what happens after a rescue, and the many ways you can help Tasmania’s wildlife. Helping Hobart Help Wildlife Every day across Hobart, injured and orphaned wildlife find their way into the hands of an extraordinary network of people most of us never see. They aren't working from big wildlife hospitals or purpose-built facilities. They're ordinary Tasmanians. They walk past you in the supermarket. They live down the road. And behind the doors of spare rooms, sheds and backyards across our city, they quietly give their time, homes, sleep and hearts to helping Tasmania's wildlife get back where they belong — in the wild. Helping Hobart Help Wildlife is a free community evening that brings this hidden network into the light. Come behind the scenes of wildlife rehabilitation and discover what happens after an injured or orphaned animal is found, who cares for them, what rehabilitation really involves, and just how many different people it takes to get an animal from those first moments of need through to release. Most importantly, we'll show you where you could fit into that story. You don't have to be a wildlife rehabilitator to help wildlife There are many ways to make a difference. Perhaps you'd like to open your home to wildlife and become a rehabilitator. Maybe you have a property that could provide somewhere safe for rehabilitated wildlife to return to the wild. You might be interested in supporting carers, helping behind the scenes, sewing pouches, transporting supplies, volunteering your professional skills or simply becoming someone who knows what to do when wildlife needs help. We'll explore the different pathways available and help you find one that works for you. When wildlife needs help Members of the public are often the first people to encounter an animal in trouble — and what happens in those first moments matters. We'll cover the essentials of what to do, what not to do and who to call when you find injured or orphaned wildlife. We'll also introduce the work of Bonorong Wildlife Rescue and provide information on how you can register with their wildlife rescue service if that's a pathway you'd like to explore. On the night, we'll explore: • the hidden network of people caring for Hobart's wildlife • what happens after an injured or orphaned animal enters rehabilitation • what life as a wildlife rehabilitator actually looks like • the journey from initial care through rehabilitation to release • what to do — and importantly, what not to do — when you find wildlife needing help • who to call when you find injured or orphaned wildlife • the different ways you can help without becoming a wildlife rehabilitator • what it takes to become a wildlife rehabilitator • training, mentoring and support available to new carers • opportunities to support wildlife through release sites, practical help and other volunteering • how you can take your next step and become part of Tasmania's wildlife community You'll see some of the equipment and resources wildlife rehabilitators use, hear real stories from behind the scenes and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and speak with people who understand what this work really involves. And yes — there'll be refreshments too. Could you be one of Hobart's next wildlife heroes? You don't need experience. You don't need to know everything about wildlife. And you don't necessarily need to have animals living in your house. You just need to care enough to start somewhere. For those who discover that wildlife rehabilitation might be for them, we'll explain the pathway into Wildlife Network Tasmania's Introduction to Mammals training and the support available as you begin. Thanks to the City of Hobart, 20 Wildlife First Response Starter Kits will also be available to support suitable new volunteers who take that next step towards wildlife rehabilitation following the event. Whether you want to become a rehabilitator, lend your skills, offer land for release, support the people already doing the work, or simply know how to respond when an animal needs help — there is a place for you. Come and meet the people behind Tasmania's wildlife rehabilitation community. Then perhaps become one of them. 🌿 Helping Hobart Help Wildlife is proudly supported by the City of Hobart. What to expect This isn't a two-hour lecture. It's a relaxed, interactive evening designed to take you behind the scenes of wildlife rehabilitation. Expect real stories, photographs and video, rehabilitation equipment and displays, practical information, Q&A, refreshments and plenty of opportunities to talk with people involved in Tasmania's wildlife community. Come curious. Bring your questions. Leave knowing exactly how you can help. Tickets Helping Hobart Help Wildlife is completely free, but places are limited and registration is essential. If you reserve a ticket and later find you can't attend, please cancel your booking through Eventbrite so we can offer your place to someone else.