Pelican rescue highlights urgent need for more WIRES volunteers

THE MID North Coast is relying more than ever on everyday locals willing to step up and help injured, sick and orphaned native animals.

The importance of local wildlife rescuers was highlighted recently when WIRES volunteers responded to a distressed pelican on the Nambucca River.

Members of the public walking along the river noticed the bird had fishing hooks embedded inside and outside of its neck, and a fishing line wrapped tightly around its beak and tangled around its neck.

WIRES volunteers involved in the rescue, who took several days to locate him and lure him in, said the outcome could have been devastating if help had not arrived quickly.

“He only had days before he would have been in a poor condition and would have slowly perished,” the WIRES volunteer told News Of The Area.

“We were able to rescue him and hand him over to the team at Midcoast Vets to be treated.

“He was released back to the same location he was rescued from a few days later.”

WIRES says stories like this happen far too often across the Mid North Coast, with volunteers responding to hundreds of wildlife emergencies every year involving animals injured by vehicles, domestic pets, habitat loss, fishing tackle and severe weather events.

The organisation hopes more locals will consider becoming part of the rescue network to ensure help is available when wildlife needs it most.

WIRES Mid North Coast is now calling for new volunteers to enrol in the upcoming Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) Workshop being held in Coffs Harbour on Saturday, 13 June.

The workshop is part of the first step in becoming a wildlife rescuer and carer, with participants required to complete the online component before attending the practical training day.

“We desperately need more rescuers across the Mid North Coast to keep up with the growing demand for wildlife assistance,” a WIRES Mid North Coast spokesperson said.

“Our region covers a massive area and without enough rescuers, there will sadly be native wildlife we simply cannot reach in time.”

WIRES MNC points out that more volunteers will greatly assist in response times, resulting in wildlife getting care earlier, increasing chances of survival and being returned to the wild.

Anyone interested in enrolling can complete the online training through the WIRES website.

Members of the public are also encouraged to lodge rescues online, which can often be a faster option, through the WIRES Rescue Report Portal rather than posting requests for help on social media.

Further enquiries about volunteering with WIRES Mid North Coast can be made via email at secretarymidnorthcoast@gmail.com.

By Mick BIRTLES