As Nikki Rae runs her own native wildlife shelter from her Selby residence, it’s certainly not your typical hills house.
Her living room, and sometimes even her bedroom, houses joeys that are young enough to live inside or in the humidicrib.
Her fridge is filled with milk formulae, medications, fish and mice for her rescued birds, native flowers and even insects, like mealworms.
“There is always an animal in need of something and it’s hard to find time to relax, but it’s so rewarding to make a difference to our precious wildlife and we will never stop caring,” Ms Rae said.
“My partner, George, not only helps with the day-to-day cleaning and feeding of the animals, but he also builds enclosures. He sometimes installs nest boxes high up in tall trees. He’s a great help on rescues and has a natural talent for reading animal behaviour.”
Ms Rae will share her experiences of running Amaroo Wildlife Shelter for almost 10 years at a free public forum at Selby Community House next week.
“We’ve all heard about the billion animals killed by our recent fires, but what are the practicalities of saving those who survive?” forum organiser Karl Williams said.
“By the end of the evening we should all have learned some invaluable practical tips for when we’re confronted by an animal in need.”
During her years running the shelter, Ms Rae has been greatly assisted by foster carers and volunteers.
Together, they mostly care for marsupials, ringtails, brushtails, sugar gliders, swamp wallabies, koalas and eastern grey kangaroos, but will often take in echidnas, lizards, reptiles, bats and common bird species.
“We rescue, rehabilitate or raise orphan and injured animals with the aim to get them back to the wild again as soon as possible,” Ms Rae said.
“My experience working as an emergency veterinary nurse has given me a great understanding of how to manage medical conditions and injuries to wildlife.”
Since Ms Rae obtained her wildlife rehabilitation licence from the State Government, Amaroo’s 24-hour service has been responsible for rescuing hundreds of injured and orphaned native animals.
The forum begins at 7pm on 25 November.
Because Covid-19 restrictions will limit numbers, it is essential to reserve a place by phoning Selby Community House on 9754 2039.
A light supper will be provided.
