Whites Creek Wildlife Care

26/12/2024

Glue traps might seem like a simple solution, but they’re anything but. These traps don’t just catch pests—they harm birds, reptiles, and other wildlife, often leaving them to suffer terribly.

In this article, our president, Jake Goldring, shares his thoughts on why it’s time to stop selling and using these cruel devices. It’s a powerful reminder that small choices can have a big impact on the animals we share our world with.

Take a moment to read it.

Let’s work together to create a kinder, safer world for all creatures.

The devices cause 'unimaginable' suffering to Australia's native animals.

22/12/2024

Hey everyone,

You might have noticed some exciting (and important!) turtle activity on The Strand lately. Turtles have been nesting throughout the Townsville area, and we need your help to make sure they have a safe space to do their thing.

A few things to keep in mind:

These turtles are doing some serious work laying eggs, so if you see one, give her space! It’s a big deal for them.
Lights off, please! Bright lights can mess with turtles, so if you’re near the beach, try to keep lights dimmed or off at night.

Spotted a turtle or some tracks?
If you see a nesting turtle or tracks on the sand, you can report it straight to the Department of Environment and Science (DES).
How? Download the QWildlife app! It’s a quick and easy way to send in a sighting report with photos and details. Your info helps experts protect these beautiful creatures.

You can also call the Wildlife Hotline at 1300 130 372 if you need to report something right away. They’ll handle it from there.

So, what can you do?
Spread the word! Let your friends and family know how important it is to keep our turtles safe.
Keep your eyes peeled next time you’re on The Strand – you might just spot some turtle tracks!

Together, we can help these turtles have the best chance at a successful nesting season. Thanks for being awesome and looking out for wildlife!

Magnetic Island Network for Turtles
Queensland National Parks
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

19/12/2024

Queensland has one of the most diverse flora in Australia with over 14,700 native species of plants, algae, fungi and lichens 🤯

Let's all do our part to protect the rich biodiversity of our state 💪 This can be as simple as planting a native plant in your backyard to support local wildlife 🐦

18/12/2024

It’s Official!

We’re thrilled to announce that our new website is live!

While there are still a few finishing touches to make and a members area to develop, we couldn’t have done this without the dedication and hard work of our Public Relations Officer, Josh. Thank you, Josh, for your incredible efforts!

At Whites Creek Wildlife Care, we remain committed to our mission: to be a compassionate and professional wildlife organisation. Every step we take is driven by our passion for delivering the highest standards in rehabilitation, education, and conservation. This website is just the beginning of even greater things to come!

Stay tuned and thank you for your support as we continue to grow and make a difference.

www.whitescreekwildlifecare.com.au

05/12/2024

We’ve Had Enough!

We are tired of the verbal abuse, the entitlement, and the sheer lack of understanding directed at our team. Whites Creek Wildlife Care is a small wildlife rescue run by dedicated volunteers who pour their hearts into saving animals, often at great personal expense. We are NOT a 24/7 emergency service with endless resources.

When you call us, remember this: we’re juggling full-time jobs, families, non-rescue calls (reptile relocations) and an overwhelming number of rescue calls. There are only a few of us, and we do this because we care. Verbal abuse does nothing but make an already difficult job unbearable.

If you expect instant service or lash out because we can’t get to you immediately, ask yourself: Have you ever tried doing this work? Do you understand the emotional toll of facing injured or dying animals daily, often in the face of zero funding or community support?

We’re here because we want to help, but we won’t tolerate being spoken to like we owe you something. Wildlife rescue is a privilege, not a right. If you think you can do it better, we encourage you to step up, train, get permitted, and feel the full weight of what we deal with.

To those who show kindness and support: thank you. You’re the reason we keep going. But to anyone thinking of calling us just to yell, consider this your warning. Treat our team with respect, or don’t call at all.

We’re here for the wildlife, not to be your punching bag.

01/12/2024

One of our dedicated wildlife rescuers in Ingham recently came across a tragic sight—a deceased agile wallaby lying in the middle of the road, likely hit by a car. What broke their hearts even more was finding a joey still alive in its mother’s pouch. Her body had been there for days, with cars driving around it, yet no one stopped to check.

This is an urgent plea to everyone: if you hit a wallaby, kangaroo, or any wildlife, or see one already deceased on the road, please stop and check the pouch. Joeys can survive in the pouch of their deceased mother for up to a week, enduring unimaginable suffering. A quick check could save a life.

If you’re unsure what to do, call your local wildlife rescue group for help. Please, drive cautiously, and if you see wildlife on the road, take a moment to stop and check. It truly makes a difference.

We Have rescuers in both Ingham & Townsville and can be called on 0461 398 407

01/11/2024

Did you know kangaroos and wallabies are not just land hoppers but also strong and extremely capable swimmers? It’s true!

While we often picture these macropods bounding across dry landscapes, they’re actually quite comfortable in water too. If threatened or needing to cross to new ground, they’ll dive right in and start paddling with those powerful hind legs.

In fact, scientists have found that their unique anatomy—so perfect for hopping—also makes them efficient swimmers. A study in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that kangaroos use a dog-paddle style that propels them gracefully through water.

So, next time you think of kangaroos, imagine them gliding through water just as naturally as they leap on land.

Nature really knows how to adapt, doesn’t it?

27/10/2024

Are you Interested in becoming a Wildlife rescuer?

We are currently seeking Volunteer Wildlife Rescuers to attend to Wildlife Emergency’s in the Townsville region!. Jobs you’ll be trained to respond to include but are not limited to -

• Road Side Kangaroo Pouch Checks
• Collecting Injured Wildlife from the roadside & Taking to carers / Vet clinics.
• Making Efforts to reunite Orphaned animals with their parents.
And so much more!.

Please note that whilst being a Wildlife Rescuer can be very rewarding & Exciting, There will be some jobs you will attended to that will be very Confronting & Upsetting. In saying this, Wildlife rescuers will have access to a 24/7 Support hotline if need be.

What you will need -

• Valid Queensland Drivers Licence
• Reliable Vehicle
• Mobile Phone

Animals we respond to -

• Birds / Birds Of Prey
• Reptiles
• Macropods ( Kangaroos, Wallaby’s ect )
• Possums
• Bats ( Vaccinated Rescuers only )

If this sounds like somthing you would be interested in doing, Please message the page with your expression of interest.

27/10/2024

🦘 A New Little Fighter in Our Care 🦘

Today, we welcomed a resilient little joey named Ruby into our care after a tough start. Found near Woodstock beside her deceased mother—likely a roadside accident—she was left alone and vulnerable, with no report made to wildlife rescue.

Thankfully, a compassionate member of the public spotted Ruby, reached out to us via Facebook Messenger, and we were able to collect her directly from their workplace. Now safe and receiving dedicated care, Ruby is already showing her fighting spirit, and we’re hopeful for her journey ahead.

A big thank you to everyone who watches out for wildlife in need. Remember, if you ever find an injured or orphaned animal, contacting a rescue service right away can make all the difference. 🧡

25/10/2024

New Arrival Update: 🦘 Agile Wallaby Joey in Our Care 🦘

About a week ago, we welcomed a tiny new resident into our care—an Agile Wallaby joey who hasn’t been named just yet.

His journey here was a tough one; his mother, in her brave attempt to protect him, was ran down by and tragically attacked by a dog. In her panic, she ejected him from her pouch, thankfully giving him a chance to escape.

Now, after a week of dedicated care, he’s showing his resilience and adapting well, as well as gaining valuable weight. We’ll continue to provide all he needs to grow strong and, one day, return to the wild.

Stay tuned for updates on his journey, and feel free to drop your name suggestions in the comments, naming can be hard sometimes 😅!

23/10/2024

How awesome is this!

Bentley was rescued off of his mother after she was entangled in Barbed wire and unfortunately passed away before anyone found her.

We rescued him and then took him straight to Townsville Bat Rescue Australia for specialist care under one of their awesome and amazingly dedicated carers.

Always awesome to see the rescued animals we've past onto other group doing well and thriving in care!

21/10/2024

🐥 Another rescue in care 🐥

This young Bush Stone-curlew chick was found alone on the side of the Port Access Road, with no parents nearby. Despite our efforts to locate and reunite it with potential adult birds, none accepted the chick, indicating the parents had already moved on.

At only a few days old, this chick needs to learn essential survival skills, like feeding, which we’re now guiding it through. Although this process can be time-consuming and demanding, this little one has already shown great progress and started eating in care!

📍: South Townsville
📖: Bush Stone-curlew
📞 : 0461 398 407
🧍‍♂️: Jake and Josh

21/10/2024

✨️ Newest Wildlife Patient in Care ✨️

This beautiful Common Tree Snake was recently brought in after a cat encounter, leaving it in need of medical attention.

With a few rounds of antibiotics and a week or two of rehabilitation, we're hopeful for a full recovery and release back into its natural habitat.

📍: JCU Vets
📖: Common Tree Snake (Non-Venomous)
📞: 0461 398 407
🧍‍♂️: Jake

17/10/2024

A Heartfelt Update from Whites Creek Wildlife Care

Today, we’re reaching out with heavy hearts. Our recent grant application for the Wildlife Carers Assistance was unsuccessful, and it’s a tough setback. We had big hopes for "Operation Safe Haven"—an initiative that would have allowed us to update our ageing equipment, improve enclosures, and build stronger connections with our community to help protect wildlife.

Without this funding, our ability to respond to rescues and provide safe, quality care is being tested more than ever. Our small team is stretched to the max, and we’re worried that without these resources, we’ll struggle to keep up with the growing needs of our local wildlife.

Despite the challenges, we’re not giving up. We’re deeply committed to every life we save and to making a difference for our wildlife. Thank you for standing with us on this journey—your support means the world to us and to the animals we care for.

Donate:
PayPal: https://paypal.me/WhitesCreekWC
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/f41eecd6
Donorbox: https://donorbox.org/operation-safe-haven
Containers for Change ID: C10879240

View the statement by the Vice President below.

13/10/2024

10/10/2024

Head to your park and immerse yourself in mindfulness. 🚶‍♂️🌿 Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present. To be aware of where we are, what we’re doing, and what’s going on around us.

As you stroll, appreciate the beauty around you.

Take a moment to gaze at the shapes and the spaces in between.

Explore the grass; can you spot any insects? Count them if you can.

Feel the gentle breeze against your face. Listen closely. What songs do the birds and wildlife share with you?

Grab a fallen leaf; feel its texture. Is it light as a feather? Does it have a satisfying crunch?

Take nature in, one step at a time. 🌲💆‍♀️

09/10/2024

✨️World Mental Health Day✨️

On World Mental Health Day, it's important to shine a light on those who work tirelessly to protect our wildlife. Being a wildlife carer or rescuer is often a calling driven by love for animals and nature. But with the rewards come intense challenges—late-night rescues, emotional strain from injuries or loss, and, for many, the financial burdens that come with caring for vulnerable animals.

Wildlife rescuers see both the beauty and heartbreak of nature up close. They spend countless hours nursing injured animals back to health, witnessing both miraculous recoveries and heartbreaking endings. This work can take a toll, leading to exhaustion, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Yet, these dedicated individuals keep going, often with limited resources, because they believe in the difference they’re making.

On days like today, let's take a moment to appreciate the mental strength and resilience of these carers. Whether it’s a kind word, a show of support, or just acknowledgment of their efforts, we can all help ease their load a little. After all, supporting the people who care for our wildlife helps protect the animals and the world we share.