Whites Creek Wildlife Care

03/02/2025

Slight Rant.

If our phone line is busy or you can’t get through, please leave a message or send a text. Trust me, I'll see it and I can send that information onto other organisations that will contact you rapidly, whilst I'm still on the phone to whomever I'm talking to.

Unlike the bigger rescues, we don’t have a fancy automated system directing calls to multiple people, nor do we have the luxury of staff just waiting around to take every call. It’s just us—real people, dealing with wildlife and tragedy, in real time.

Right now, Jake is flooded in with his family in Ingham and unable to do anything. He can't take calls or give advice as Ingham has no power and he is conserving what battery power he has, in case of an emergency, and I (Josh) am handling calls from all over—Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr and beyond.

That includes talking people through wildlife emergencies when they’re also stuck because of floodwaters and can’t reach a vet or carer. These conversations take time. They require patience, back-and-forth communication, and problem-solving—none of which happen instantly.

If I don’t answer, it’s because I’m already on another call or tending to the animals we already have in care. And while I understand that you believe your situation is urgent, unfortunately, you are not my only priority. Please don't bombard the phone number over and over again (one caller was 10 times in a matter of 2 minutes)

If I can, I’ll redirect you to another rescue or offer advice. But throwing everything down just for your call is not an option, and I certainly won’t be risking the safety of our one other rescuer—who, by the way, isn’t fully trained yet—by sending them out into flooded or dangerous areas just to appease someone’s impatience.

We are doing the best we can under the circumstances. A little patience and common sense go a long way.

Thank you to everyone else who has left a message or texted in, I'm doing my best to push on your calls to other organisations or give advice, if you are sending pictures and information through with the text.

Please contact the organisations below if you can't get through to us:
Wildlife Carers Townsville WRAPT - Wallabies, Roos & Possums.,
Stonedeaf Wildlife Townsville,
Townsville Bat Rescue Australia,
Fight 4 Flight N.Q. Birds of Prey, or,
NQ Wildlife Care

02/02/2025

Wildlife Rescue Update – TSV Monsoonal Trough

The monsoonal trough is currently impacting Townsville and surrounding areas, affecting rescue efforts across the region. If you come across wildlife in need of assistance, please contact the appropriate group based on your location.

📍 City & Northern Areas – For rescues in these regions, please reach out to Wildlife Carers Townsville WRAPT - Wallabies, Roos & Possums. , Townsville Bat Rescue Australia , Stonedeaf Wildlife Townsville, or NQ Wildlife Care.

📍 Southern Areas – If you're in the southern parts of Townsville (Alligator Creek, Nome, Julago) and need help with injured or displaced wildlife, please contact us directly.

Severe weather can be challenging for our native animals. If you find wildlife struggling, keep them in a safe, quiet place and avoid handling them unnecessarily until a rescuer arrives. Stay safe, and thank you for looking out for our wildlife!

Apologies for the inconvenience, we are also running with very limited personnel!

01/02/2025

🚨 Leave Snakes Alone! 🚨

Snakes don’t need rescuing from the rain, and handling them is dangerous for both you and the animal. If you see a snake, don’t touch it—call a professional for advice!

Check out Snakefella Reptile Removals' post for more details.

Leave Snakes Alone – For Their Safety and Yours!

Throughout this severe weather event, we’ve had too many calls and seen a few posts where people have already handled snakes before reaching out to qualified catchers or wildlife carers—putting them in pillowcases, containers, or even picking them up to "help" them out of the rain.

We get it—you think you’re doing the right thing. But snakes don’t need rescuing from the weather. They know how to handle the elements far better than we do. What they do need is to be left alone.

Handling a snake without training or experience is extremely dangerous—for you and the snake. Many species look alike, and a mistake can be life-threatening.

If you see a snake and need it relocated, call a professional. Let us do our job safely and correctly.

Please, do not touch, move, or try to "help" a snake. The best thing you can do is keep a safe distance and call us if necessary.

"Fast, Safe, Reliable, Knowledgeable – Reptile Relocation Done Right."

📞: 0461 398 407

📷: Eastern Brown Snake (Dangerously Venomous)

01/02/2025

⚠️ Severe Weather Alert – Wildlife in Need of Help ⚠️

Townsville and nearby regions are currently facing heavy monsoonal rains, leading to significant flooding, strong winds, and hazardous conditions. While emergency services are focused on ensuring human safety, our wildlife is also in dire straits.

Soaked Birds – The relentless rain has left many birds drenched and unable to take flight, putting them at risk of exhaustion, predation, and starvation. If you come across a waterlogged bird, gently place it in a warm, dry, well-ventilated box and reach out to a wildlife rescuer for guidance.

Flood-Displaced Animals – Rising waters are forcing numerous native animals out of their natural habitats, often leading them into urban areas, roads, or even your backyard. If you spot any displaced or injured wildlife, please maintain a safe distance and contact a professional for help, if the need arises.

Snakes & Other Reptiles – Flooding can drive reptiles into unusual locations, including homes and sheds. If you see a snake, please do not approach it—most are simply looking for higher ground. Instead, call a licensed snake catcher for safe relocation.

How You Can Help:
✔️ Drive with caution—many animals are trying to cross roads to escape the floodwaters.
✔️ Offer safe shelter (a dry, ventilated box) for any exhausted or injured wildlife until help arrives.
✔️ Keep pets indoors to avoid causing stress or harm to displaced animals.
✔️ Report any stranded, injured, or at-risk wildlife to your local rescue organization.

These extreme weather conditions have a profound impact on our native species, but with awareness and action, we can support them through this crisis. Stay safe, and if you require wildlife rescue assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us or another Wildlife Rescue organisation!

15/01/2025

~ Caring for Wildlife and the World They Live In ~

At Whites Creek Wildlife Care, we’re more than just a rescue organization—we’re a passionate team working to protect, rehabilitate, and enrich the natural world around us. Based in the heart of the community, we provide life-saving rescue services for injured and orphaned animals, work tirelessly to rehabilitate them, and strive to restore and improve the ecosystems they call home. Through conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and education, we aim to ensure a thriving future for our native wildlife and their environment.

Who We Are and What We Do

🐨 Wildlife Rescue: Responding to calls for injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife, ensuring they get the care they need.

🦘 Rehabilitation: Providing specialized care for animals until they are ready to return to their natural habitat.

🦅 Conservation and Restoration: Protecting and enhancing habitats to support wildlife populations, ensuring ecosystems remain healthy and sustainable.

🐍 Education and Awareness: Hosting community events, workshops, and programs to teach coexistence, conservation, and how to protect native wildlife.

🌏 Environmental Stewardship: Partnering with the community to clean up and restore local ecosystems, creating healthier environments for wildlife and people alike.

⚡ Emergency Response: Offering on-call assistance to handle wildlife emergencies with expertise and care.

Volunteer and Membership Opportunities

There are so many ways to get involved! Join our team as a:
🤝 Rescue and Transport Volunteer – Respond to calls for injured or orphaned wildlife and transport them to safety.

🦘 Wildlife Carer – Provide hands-on care and rehabilitation until animals are ready for release.

🌿 Habitat Restoration Volunteer – Help clean up and restore local ecosystems for healthier habitats.

📚 Education and Outreach Volunteer – Support workshops, events, and community programs that promote conservation.

📢 Fundraising and Events Volunteer – Assist with organizing events and campaigns to support our work.

🗂️ Administrative Support – Help with tasks like managing records, social media, and communications.

💰 Financial Member – Support our mission by becoming a financial member, contributing directly to the care of wildlife and habitat restoration efforts.

How You Can Help

💰 Donate: Your contributions directly support wildlife care, medical supplies, and rescue operations.

🌿 Join Clean-Up Efforts: Help us remove waste, plant native vegetation, and restore local habitats for wildlife.

📚 Learn and Share: Attend one of our events or workshops to discover more about native wildlife and how to help, then share your knowledge with others.

📢 Spread the Word: Share our mission by following us on social media and encouraging others to get involved.

Get Involved Today!

Every action, no matter how small, helps us create a better world for our wildlife. Visit our website or follow us on Facebook to:
✅ Report wildlife in need of help.
✅ Learn about upcoming events, clean-ups, and workshops.
✅ Find volunteering opportunities that suit your skills and interests.
✅ Donate or become a financial member to support wildlife care and habitat restoration.

Together, we can rescue, rehabilitate, and restore—not just for the animals, but for the ecosystems they depend on. Join us in creating a brighter future for our wildlife and the places they call home!

www.whitescreekwildlifecare.com.au

02/01/2025

Endangered spectacled flying foxes and vulnerable grey-headed flying foxes are ‘astonishing’ animals but misinformation is rife

31/12/2024

🎉 Wrapping Up 2024 at Whites Creek Wildlife Care 🎉

As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible work we’ve done together to protect and care for our wildlife. It’s been a year full of challenges, growth, and, most importantly, countless lives saved. Here’s a look at what we’ve achieved:

Rescues:

Over 1,200 animals were rescued, with the majority being hit-run victims or injured by pets.

- 240 animals released back into the wild after short-term care. (Overnight or a few days care)

- 120 animals underwent long-term rehabilitation to regain their strength and be released.

- 360 animals transfered to specialist carers or other organisations for continued care.

Sadly, many more rescues, too many to count, were Dead on Arrival (DOA) or required roadside checks for deceased wildlife to ensure no pouch young were left behind.

On the Road:

Our team travelled an astounding collective 80,000 or so km this year, responding to rescues, vet visits, and checkups—a true testament to our dedication.

Information Days:
This year, we conducted 4 information sessions, with most of them being the popular Snake Information and first aid presentation and an introduction to what we do as a rescue.

Emerging Trends:
A significant rise in paralysis syndrome cases, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.

An increase in animals caught on barbed wire, emphasizing the need for wildlife-safe fencing.

While every rescue is unique, the sheer number of road-related and pet-induced injuries reminds us how much work is still needed to educate and protect our native wildlife.

Thank you to our community, None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community! We'd also like to thank the dedicated volunteers and carers from other groups for their help and continued ability to take on animals our small group can't look after. Together, we’ve made a difference, and with your continued support, we’ll keep fighting for our wildlife in 2025 and beyond.

Here’s to a brighter, safer future for our native animals and their ecosystems!

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 😅!