Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services)

23/06/2026

High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been confirmed in two wild birds in Western Australia. This strain of bird flu has caused widespread mortality among wild birds, poultry, and some mammals overseas.

The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has responded swiftly to the detection and is leading response activities on the ground, including enhanced surveillance, working closely with industry, veterinarians, wildlife carers and local communities.

National coordination is being led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

There are no cases of H5 bird flu in NSW.

The NSW Government, together with other Australian governments, has been preparing for a possible outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australia and is working to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

Look out for sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, particularly in coastal areas.

If you see sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.

AVOID: contact

RECORD: what you see. Take photos or videos and record the location

REPORT: it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

To learn about the signs of H5 bird flu and for more information, visit: https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/avian-influenza

19/06/2026

Please take a moment to read this - it is important.

Statement from BirdLife Australia re suspected case of H5 bird flu reported from southwest WA.

The Federal government has announced that a migratory Brown Skua in southwest Western Australia has returned a suspected positive result for avian influenza. A second bird, a Giant Petrel, found in the area is also being tested.

If these cases are confirmed as H5 bird flu (H5N1), this would mean the virus has arrived on the Australian continent for the first time.
H5 bird flu (H5N1, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza) is an infectious disease that can affect wild, farmed and pet birds.

Large-scale outbreaks of H5 bird flu (H5N1) have killed millions of wild birds and tens of thousands of mammals around the world. Until now, Australia and New Zealand have remained free of the virus.

An outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australian birds could be catastrophic, as one in six Australian birds are already facing the threat of extinction.

BirdLife Australia has consistently advocated for robust monitoring and preparedness ahead of an outbreak.

We are watching this development closely and seeking further information. We will keep you updated as more details emerge.
If you find a sick or dead bird that you suspect could have Avian Influenza (H5N1), remember to:

❌ AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.

📸 RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird.

📞REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

15/06/2026

Thank you to our friends at Taronga Wildlife Hospital for your amazing work with the oil affected pelicans.

And a genuine thanks to the community for calling in sightings of any oil impacted wildlife - we know at least two pelicans have made their way to the Central Coast.

Please continue to call in sightings of oil impacted wildlife - to your local wildlife organisation and take a photo or two so we can continue to try and get them the help they desperately need.

10/06/2026

Sharing this very important message regarding second generation anticoagulant rodenticides - please have your say - submissions close tomorrow (Thursday 1pm Sydney Time).

Our wildlife needs you to speak up for them! It’s quick and easy!

05/06/2026

We need your help! Be on the look out Sydney!

Following an oil spill in Alexandria, there are multiple birds being seen covered in oil. Chemicals such as oils on feathers is damaging as birds are no longer waterproof, cannot stay warm, can no longer float efficiently and have digestion issues when trying to clean the oil off.

We need you to report any birds you see around Sydney that look impacted by this oil spill. They can be anywhere in Sydney - they may not be anywhere near the original spill.

Be on the look out for the following species:
- Australian Pelicans
- Cormorants
- Australasian Darters
- Egrets
- Terns
- Australian White Ibis

Birds will have black or dark patches where there shouldn’t be, they may be unable to swim or move properly in the water, they may be on the bank or in trees struggling and looking sick.

Please don’t handle them - contact us on 9413 4300 to report sightings. Take a photo and take note of the precise location.

Share share share! Let’s get these birds rescued and rehabilitated for the very best chance of survival.

Rescue hotline: 9413 4300

01/06/2026

🚨 Breaking News: Winter is Here… and the Wildlife Didn’t Read the Memo 🚨

In just 5 days, the Sydney Wildlife Rescue Winter Rescue & Care Course kicks off! 🦘🦉🐨

While most of us are layering up, arguing over whether 15°C is actually cold, and treating our hot coffee like life support, Australia’s native wildlife is facing a much tougher winter.

Every year, our furry, feathered, and occasionally grumpy native neighbours need help dealing with injury, illness, habitat loss, and the challenges of the colder months. And unlike us, they can’t just order an extra blanket online.

That’s where wildlife rescuers come in.

Join our Winter Rescue & Care Course and learn how to safely assist injured and orphaned native animals, support rehabilitation efforts, and make a real difference in your community.

No cape required.
A love of wildlife required.
A willingness to answer "Why is there a possum in your laundry?" highly recommended.

Australia’s native wildlife needs all the help it can get, and every new volunteer means more animals getting the care they deserve.

⏰ Starts in 5 days
🦘 Help wildlife when they need it most
❄️ Be part of the winter rescue team

Because this winter, the real MVPs aren’t the people with electric blankets—they’re the people helping the creatures that don’t have them.

https://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/become-a-volunteer/

🦉🦘🐨💚

Thank you for your interest in joining Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services (Sydney Wildlife). We are a non-profit wildlife organisation operating under licence from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

25/05/2026

🚨 Calling all future wildlife heroes of Sydney! 🚨

Have you ever looked at a possum on your roof at 2am and thought, “You know what? I could probably help that little guy.” 🐨🦇🦔

Well, now’s your chance.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s Rescue and Care Course is coming this June 2026, and we’re looking for volunteers from ALL walks of life across Sydney. Teachers, tradies, students, retirees, office workers, nurses, baristas, accountants, people who accidentally become “the animal person” in their street… we need YOU.

Because Australian native wildlife doesn’t just get into trouble between 9 and 5. Baby birds fall out of nests. Possums get discombobulated. Flying foxes get stuck in netting and on powerlines. And sometimes a confused duck just decides the M4 looks relaxing.

No experience needed — just compassion, common sense, and a willingness to learn. We’ll teach you the rescue and care skills needed to help our incredible native animals when they need it most.

Join us this June and become part of the village keeping Sydney’s wildlife wild 💚

🦘 More volunteers = more lives saved
📍 Volunteers needed all over Sydney
📅 Rescue and Care Course — June 2026

https://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/become-a-volunteer/

Tag someone who would absolutely stop traffic for a turtle 🐢

Thank you for your interest in joining Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services (Sydney Wildlife). We are a non-profit wildlife organisation operating under licence from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

23/05/2026

National Volunteer Week 2026!

Meet Gemma! What a superstar volunteer - a vet nurse and fanatic wildlife supporter.

I caught up with Gemma about what drives her.

I have always loved animals and grew up observing wildlife everywhere I went. As a veterinary nurse I regularly see wildlife come through my workplace and started volunteering to help improve both the care I gave wildlife patients, and reduce the amount of time they remained within a stressful veterinary environment. Since starting volunteering I have met countless amazing people who have kindly shared their knowledge with me. I'm so grateful to be able to work alongside such lovely and experienced people!

Seeing animals improve and be well enough to be released is truly special. Seeing an animal being released leaves you with a giddy feeling every time. I remember every release I have been a part of clearly.

There is a lot of need for wildlife carers, however roles are flexible and there is always tasks available that do not directly involve having to hold wildlife in your house. The work is very satisfying and the people you meet will become lifelong friends.

Specifically to any veterinary professionals- the knowledge you gain from volunteering is invaluable when it comes to caring for wildlife within your clinic. You will see the difference.