Stop for roadside injured animals

BIMBIMBIE Wildlife Park owner Paul Davy has called for hills motorists to stop if they hit or see injured animals on the side of the road.
This comes amid calls for more volunteers to help the Maryknoll Wildlife Shelter look after more than 20 injured wombats.
Digger, a four-month-old orphaned wombat, is the latest addition to the shelter after he was rescued from his injured mother’s pouch two weeks ago.
Initially, Digger and his mother were taken to Bimbimbie Wildlife Park near Emerald where owners Paul and Francine Davy looked after them.
The Davys are volunteer carers for the shelter and are on the rescue team of Wildlife Victoria.
“Rescue is becoming a big part of Bimbimbie’s operation,” Mr Davy said.
“More and more people are bringing injured animals to us and calling us out to assist injured animals.”
He said Digger’s mother was brought to Bimbimbie by a family who happened to see her struggling across the road after she was hit by a car.
Mr Davy said the following day he took the injured animal to Healesville Sanctuary where she was put down because she had a broken hip.
He said that animals are often put down when they are hit by motorists.
He is urging drivers to stop if they hit an animal or see injured wildlife on the side of the road.
“People can check if the animal needs help or if it’s dead. They should check to see if it has a baby inside its pouch or nearby,” he said.
Mr Davy said local residents can help the wildlife carers by doing the right thing and stopping when they accidentally hit an animal. “By stopping and assisting or getting assistance a little life like Digger’s can be saved,” he said.
Those who come across an animal like Digger can also call the wildlife help line on 0417 380 687 or Wildlife Victoria on 0500 540 000.