Darling Range Wildlife Shelter WA

20/06/2026

H5N1 Avian Bird Flu

At this stage, Darling Range Wildlife Shelter remains open and will continue to accept all wildlife admissions. However, the situation is evolving rapidly, and this may change at short notice. Please read the full post below.

Today, the six largest wildlife rehabilitation organisations in Western Australia met following confirmation of H5N1 avian influenza in WA.

We have been consulting with government agencies for the past 12 months to prepare for this event. Based on health advice from State and Federal Government authorities, all six facilities have agreed that once H5N1 is detected in local wild bird populations (rather than an isolated case in a migratory bird), we will cease accepting bird admissions to protect our frontline staff and volunteers.

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that can infect humans, particularly in environments where large numbers of birds are handled and treated. Wildlife hospitals and rehabilitation centres are not currently funded or equipped to safely manage an outbreak of this scale.

This decision will affect bird admissions at WA Wildlife Hospital, Kanyana Wildlife, Perth Wildlife Hospital, Darling Range Wildlife Shelter, Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre. Without additional funding from state government, these organisations will also be unable to safely rescue and transport sick or injured birds across the Perth metropolitan area.

We remain in active discussions with DPIRD and DBCA and are hopeful that emergency State Government funding for PPE, additional staffing and temporary biosecure facilities will allow some wildlife facilities to safely continue, or resume, bird admissions if community cases are detected.

At this stage, all facilities remain open and continue to accept bird admissions, as well as reptile and mammal admissions. However, the situation is evolving rapidly and this may change at short notice.

We encourage the public to follow official advice from DBCA/DPIRD regarding sick or injured wildlife. Information can be found at: https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/threat-management/h5-avian-influenza-bird-flu

We are deeply saddened by this situation. However, the safety of our staff and volunteers must come first. We also have a responsibility to protect the hundreds of animals currently undergoing rehabilitation, along with the resident birds housed at our facilities.

We remain committed to working with government agencies and are hopeful that the funding support requested will enable parts of the wildlife rehabilitation sector to continue operating safely if H5N1 becomes established in Western Australia's wild bird populations.

If you would like to support our work, please donate here https://www.givenow.com.au/darlingrangewildlife

20/06/2026

🎨🦘 What is Wild for Art? 🦘🎨

At Darling Range Wildlife Shelter, our volunteers spend thousands of hours each year rescuing, caring for and rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

But many of our volunteers have another passion too — creativity. These amazing pieces belong to our talented volunteers 💚

Wild for Art brings those two worlds together.

This new annual fundraising exhibition celebrates the beauty of Western Australia's wildlife through artwork created by people connected to wildlife rehabilitation across our state. From paintings and photography to sculpture and mixed media, every piece tells a story of connection with nature.

And best of all, every entry helps support the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife.

If you are a volunteer or member of a registered wildlife rehabilitation organisation in Western Australia, we'd love to see your work.

✨ Three $500 prizes
✨ Wildlife-inspired artwork
✨ Supporting native wildlife
✨ Exhibition weekend: 15–16 August 2026

Learn more and enter today via the link in our bio or by scanning the QR code on our event flyer.

Because every critter counts 💚

19/06/2026

🦜 Last Chance! 🦜

Today is your LAST CHANCE to secure one of the remaining tickets for our Caring for Pet Birds Workshop!

Whether you're thinking about getting a bird, have recently welcomed one into your family, or have shared your home with feathered companions for years, this workshop is designed to help you provide the very best care possible.

We'll cover:
🐦 Husbandry and housing
🥗 Nutrition and enrichment
🩺 Health and common medical concerns
🧠 Behaviour and training
🏡 Preventing escapes and keeping birds safe

Every year, Darling Range Wildlife Shelter receives lost, injured, and escaped pet birds. By helping owners better understand their birds' needs, we hope to improve welfare outcomes and reduce the number of birds entering care.

💚 Best of all, every dollar raised goes directly back into the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Western Australia's native wildlife.

🎟 Book now before tickets sell out:
📍 Darling Range Wildlife Shelter
📅 Saturday, 20 June 2026
⏰️ 10:00am - 2:00pm

Book now 👉 https://www.trybooking.com/DLREX

We can't wait to see you there! 🦜✨

Gain the knowledge and confidence to care for pet birds properly. This comprehensive training covers essential husbandry, balanced nutrition,...

18/06/2026

🦎💚 Brumation season is well and truly underway across Western Australia.

Many of our native reptiles, including beloved bobtail lizards, spend the cooler months in a state known as brumation, a reptile version of hibernation where they become far less active and conserve energy until warmer weather returns.

That doesn't mean they're completely asleep, though. On sunny winter days, you may spot a bobtail, skink, or other reptile briefly emerging to bask in the sunshine before returning to shelter.
Please take a little extra care when walking, gardening, moving firewood, or working outdoors. Slow-moving reptiles can be difficult to spot amongst leaf litter, rocks, and pathways.
This handsome bobtail was enjoying a patch of winter sunshine when he almost received the heel of a boot before one of our carers noticed him and gently moved him slightly off the path.
A quick glance at where you're stepping could save a life. 🦎☀️

Have you spotted any reptiles out enjoying the sunshine this winter? Share your photos below! 👇

15/06/2026

💚 Meet Mumma Bear 💚

Mumma Bear has been with us for the past few months after being struck by a car, leaving her with a serious injury to one of her eyes.

She spent more than a month in intensive care while our team worked tirelessly to help her recover.

Despite everything she's been through, Mumma Bear has shown incredible resilience. Not only is she recovering beautifully, but she's also carrying some very precious cargo, a tiny pinky possum tucked safely away in her pouch. 🥹

These days, Mumma Bear is thriving alongside her growing bub, and has made it very clear that avocado is one of her favourite treats! 🥑

Wildlife rehabilitation is often a long journey, and stories like Mumma Bear's remind us why we do what we do. From a devastating car strike to a second chance at life, she's proving just how strong a mother's determination can be.
We can't wait to watch this special little family continue to grow. 💕

15/06/2026

🌱 HELP GIVE LOCAL BUSHLAND A BOOST! 🌱

Every year we care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife that have been impacted by habitat loss and environmental change. Healthy bushland means healthier wildlife, safer corridors for movement, more food sources and better opportunities for wildlife to thrive.

That's why we're excited to support the Give Our Bushland a Boost tree planting event!

🌿 5,000 native seedlings need planting!
📅 Sunday 21 June
⏰ 9.00am – 12.00pm
📍 Riverpark, Richard Rushton Community Centre, Baron Way, Gosnells
🌭 Free sausage sizzle for volunteers

Whether you can spare an hour or stay for the whole morning, every seedling planted helps create habitat that supports birds, reptiles, insects, pollinators and mammals for generations to come.

Because when we restore habitat, we give wildlife a fighting chance. 💚

Bring your friends, bring the kids and help make a lasting difference for our local biodiversity.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fX6ptp

📸

13/06/2026

📸 Have you captured a special wildlife moment wile volunteering with wildlife? 🦘💚

Whether it's a curious joey peeking from a pouch, a majestic bird in flight, or a beautiful encounter with our native wildlife, we'd love to see it!

As part of our inaugural Wild for Art 2026 exhibition, we're inviting volunteers and members of registered wildlife rehabilitation organisations across Western Australia to enter their favourite wildlife photographs into our Photography Prize, with $500 up for grabs.

You don't need to be a professional photographer. Some of the most meaningful images are the ones that tell a story, capture a moment, or reflect your connection with our incredible wildlife.

✨ Search through your camera roll
✨ Rediscover your favourite wildlife image
✨ Share your unique perspective of Western Australia's native fauna

Your photograph could inspire others, celebrate our beautiful wildlife, and help raise funds for the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned native animals.

📅 Entries close: 26 July 2026
📅 Exhibition: 15–16 August 2026
🏆 $500 Photography Prize

👉https://events.humanitix.com/darling-range-wildlife-shelter-open-days

We can't wait to see Western Australia's wildlife through your lens. 📷🐾


Because every critter counts. 💚

12/06/2026

🦉 This towel may not look like much to us... but to this Boobook Owl, it meant safety.

When this little owl was found vulnerable and in need of help, one simple decision changed everything.

Someone chose to stop their car.

They took the time to look, to care, and to act.
Because of that choice, this owl was given a second chance, a chance to receive veterinary care, warmth, shelter, and the opportunity to recover.

Wildlife rescue often begins with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Not because they have special training or equipment, but because they notice. They stop. They make a phone call. They care enough to help.

Every year, countless native animals are injured, orphaned, or displaced. Many are never seen. Many never receive help. But for this Boobook Owl, someone chose to stop.
And that made all the difference.

💚 Thank you to everyone who takes the time to help our wildlife. Whether it's safely containing an animal, calling for advice, transporting a patient, or supporting rehabilitation efforts, you are giving them a chance to live.

📞 If you find injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife, please contact your local wildlife rescue organisation as soon as possible.

10/06/2026

09/06/2026

Introducing WRAGWA - Darling Range Wildlife Shelter is proud to be an inaugural member.


The Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Group of Western Australia (WRAGWA) is a collaborative alliance of Western Australia’s leading wildlife rehabilitation organisations.

Together, our member organisations care for more than 80% of the sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife admitted for rehabilitation across the state each year. We also support wildlife rescue, conservation, education, research and emergency response programs that benefit both wildlife and the communities that care about them.


WRAGWA was established to strengthen the wildlife rehabilitation sector through collaboration, advocacy, knowledge sharing and the promotion of best-practice wildlife rehabilitation. By working together, we can address sector-wide challenges, improve outcomes for wildlife and build a stronger, more sustainable future for wildlife rehabilitation in Western Australia.


Wildlife rehabilitation plays a vital role in animal welfare, conservation, community education and scientific research. Every year, tens of thousands of native animals receive care thanks to the dedication of wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary professionals, volunteers and supporters across our state.


If you are a wildlife rehabilitator and would like to learn more about how you can collaborate with WRAGWA and help strengthen the wildlife rehabilitation sector, we encourage you to visit our website for more information on Membership and Associate Membership.


Visit https://www.wragwa.org to learn more about our member organisations, our work and our vision for the future of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation in Western Australia.


Together, we can achieve more for wildlife.