Wildlife Rescuers – Courtney & Vincent

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a wildlife rescuer?

Meet some of our passionate heroes whose journey started with a love for animals and a heart full of compassion, Courtney and Vincent!

For this duo, it was witnessing an injured kangaroo stranded in peak hour traffic on the Western Ring Road back in 2014. Since then, the number of displaced or injured wildlife they’ve encountered has only grown, sparking a deep sense of responsibility to step up and help. In 2022 alone, they came across two more injured roos just months apart. Feeling helpless waiting for assistance, they knew it was time to act – and their journey into rescue work truly began.

One of the most touching rescues they recall happened close to home. A kangaroo had been hit by a car in a busy estate, and when our rescuer arrived with their partner, they were greeted by the incredible efforts of the community. Members of the public had stopped their cars, turned on hazard lights, and were directing traffic, making sure everyone stayed safe while help was on the way. Their kindness and willingness to learn from the rescuers was a beautiful reminder that we all have a role in protecting our wildlife.

Being a wildlife rescuer has its difficulties. One of the biggest challenges? The human side – dealing with people’s emotions and often, with cars that don’t slow down when rescuers are working on the roadside. But with emotional intelligence, empathy, and good planning (like having rescue gear and lighting ready to go), they overcome these obstacles and keep going for the animals that need them.

Wondering how to get involved?

There are plenty of ways to support rescuers like this one:

• Follow our Facebook Page and share posts from wildlife rescue pages to help raise awareness.
• Help ferry injured wildlife, like joeys, to carers so rescuers can stay out in the field saving more lives.
• Many rescuers are self-funded, so donations go a long way to cover the costs of essential rescue gear.
• Encourage others to be wildlife-aware, whether it’s slowing down on the road or making that crucial call when they see an animal in distress.

With urban development putting more and more wildlife at risk, our rescuer dreams of a future where the community and officials alike show greater care for our native animals. Whether it’s through better street lighting or more wildlife-friendly policies, the goal is to create a world where wildlife and people can coexist safely.

It’s the belief that these animals aren’t just part of the landscape – they’re sentient beings, full of life and deserving of protection. Every rescue is a step towards changing how people see wildlife. Let’s continue to create positive change and ensure our precious wildlife has a future.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in making the world a better place for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends!

Your support matters! Help us continue to save lives – donate today.

Image courtesy of Jodie Hutchinson: @JodieHutchinsonPhotography | @Wildife_Portaits