What to do if you encounter injured wild animals

Coming across an injured or distressed animal can be a heart-wrenching experience. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to take and the organisations to contact if you find an animal in need of help.

1. Assess the Situation

Wild animals in distress may exhibit unpredictable behaviour, and some can be aggressive. It's best to maintain a safe distance and observe the animal to determine if intervention is necessary.

If you find a marine animal entangled in fishing nets, you can cut the nets using a diving knife. Only do so if you are confident in your buoyancy control, and keep an eye on your depth during the rescue mission.

2. Determine if Intervention is Needed

Not all animals that seem out of place require assistance. For example:

• Baby birds (fledglings) are often found on the ground while learning to fly. If they look healthy and a parent is nearby, they usually don't need to be rescued.
• An injured animal may also be prey - are there predators nearby?

When in doubt, it’s best to take some photos and call an expert before taking action.

3. Animal Rescue Contacts by Country

🇦🇺 Australia

• WIRES (NSW): If you have found a native animal in need of help, fill in our report a rescue form or call 📞 1300 094 737 — wires.org.au
• RSPCA Australia: 📞 1300 CRUELTY — rspca.org.au. Phone numbers vary by state, which you can see on the website link.
• Wildcare (Queensland): 📞 07 5527 2444 — wildcare.org.au
• Fauna Rescue SA: faunarescue.org.au
  • 📞 (08) 8289 0896 OR 1300 KOALAS (1300 562 527) — 
  • BAT RESCUE: 📞 (08) 8486 1139

🇲🇾 Borneo

• If you come across a pangolin in Peninsular Malaysia, contact Perhilitan 📞 03-90866800; 📧: webmaster@wildlife.gov.my; https://www.wildlife.gov.my/index.php/en/
• Sarawak: Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
  • Kuching 019-8859996
  • Sibu 019-8883561
  • Bintulu 019-8332737
  • Miri 019-8224566
• SABAH: contact the wildlife rescue unit under the Sabah Wildlife Department📧: wildliferescueunit@gmail.com

🇨🇦 Canada

• SPCA British Columbia: 📞 1-855-622-7722
• Ontario: call the Government of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services team at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) or your local police services. If you see an animal in distress and the animal’s life is in danger, call 911 immediately, as this is an emergency.
• Marine Animal Response Society (Atlantic): 📞 1-866-567-6277 — marineanimals.ca

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• RSPCA: use the form to get the right number when reporting a concern https://www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern

🇺🇸 United States

• Find a rescue centre by state: Human World for Animals
• Marine Mammal Centre (California): 📞 415-289-7325 — marinemammalcenter.org

🇳🇿 New Zealand

• SPCA New Zealand: 📞 0800 477 722 — spca.nz
• Department of Conservation (for native wildlife): 📞 0800 362 468.
• Call 111 for all fire, search and rescue and threats to life emergencies.

5. Take Note of Important Details

When calling a rescue organisation, have this information ready:

• Exact location (postcode or GPS coordinates)
• Type of animal
• Description of injuries or condition
• Any dangers nearby (e.g., roads, water, predators)

4. Provide Basic First Aid (If Safe and Advised)

Sometimes, an animal might need temporary care before help arrives.

• Place the animal in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a towel.
• Keep it in a warm, quiet, and dark place.
• Provide water and food if you can

Your compassion could save lives. Avoid sharing the situation on social media, as poachers use social media photos' geolocations to track endangered species.

Please email us or comment below for rescue advice in locations we have not covered!