Elwood Sanctuary

16/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fjyt4iiGX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Councils across Western Australia have joined animal welfare groups in a campaign to reduce the use of common rat and mouse baits, citing the devastating impact on native birds and animals.

STORY: https://ab.co/3TDZbOE

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, such as Ratsak, are readily available on supermarket shelves and are a common option for people targeting rat and mouse infestations.

But the poisons have a devastating effect on native birds, including owls, that receive lethal or crippling doses when they consume already-poisoned rodents.

The poisons have killed at least 60 owls in and around WA's South West in recent months.

Capes Raptor Centre rehabilitation coordinator Anne-Marie Orkasalo said the baits caused long and painful deaths.

"It essentially stops the blood clotting so the animal keeps on bleeding, and of course, that's a very long process," she said.

READ MORE: https://ab.co/3TDZbOE.

12/07/2025

It’s actually makes me incredibly sad. We destroy habitat and then laugh at displaced animals. What is wrong with humans?

22/06/2025

Rescue us please. We're looking for a separate loving home each. Two loving, super intelligent, well trained, people dogs.

Good morning, we are Bailey and Cooper.
I'm Bailey, the brindle female Staffy cross. I'm a little shy but will bond strongly with my person and give immense value to our relationship. I'm 11 years old.
Cooper's a male, 9 years old. He's the black'n'white, dynamic, and so eager to please. Those handsome ears are huge, and always straight up.
Sadly, our owner cannot look after us.
We have been living in a kennel for a number of weeks. Although we appreciate our handlers, life should be better. We are happy to go to the vet, bath in some suds, we'll do what you ask to come live with you. We hope some fortunate humans will choose one of us to live with them. That will enhance all our lives for sure.
Located at: Hahndorf Dog Retreat

26/05/2025

Rescuing an injured Magpie in England on a Sunday afternoon - was so happy to find a wildlife rescue organisation open

15/05/2025

THIS is brilliant!

21/04/2025

Just when I think humans can’t get any lower…. I’ve got to say this one actually shocked me. How do you even go about checking that what you’re buying is ethically produced? We actually need a new label to go alongside the Heart foundation, product of Australia etc.

21/04/2025

FOUND: Female Pheasant Gawler SA - now in care with us at Elwood Sanctuary

https://www.facebook.com/share/16STQw1p5o/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This little sweetheart is now being cared for by Elwood Sanctuary https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092001288093

FOUND: Bird, GAWLER EAST 20/4/25
I have found a lost pheasant (?) in my yard. Seems friendly or at least not scared of humans. Not sure if someone's pet that got out in the windy weather. If this is your bird, please contact 0420 415 879
https://www.facebook.com/the.andrew.arbon

21/04/2025

I got asked a fantastic question yesterday!
‘I don’t want to use bait in my yard. How do I reduce the Mouse population?’
You can attract owls to your property, they are the most effective mass hunters on the planet!

In Australia, a pair of barn owls can consume over 3,000 mice annually. A study in Hillier SA, found that nine pairs of barn owls and their owlets ate 5,000 mice within a six-month period. The majority of the eastern barn owl's diet, which is over 90%, consists of house mice.

One of the biggest problems we have is that rat and mouse bait is the biggest killer of birds of prey! Please, please stop using it. You can attract owls to your yard….

Here's a more detailed approach:
1. Habitat:
NO CATS - you need to ensure that your property and the area that you are trying to attract the owl to is not accessible or populated by Cats.
Trees and Perches: Owls need trees for roosting, nesting, and hunting. Keep native trees, especially those with potential for natural cavities, and don't prune large branches. Offer perching spots like fence tops, bare branches, or installed perches.
Brush Piles: These provide shelter and hunting grounds for small prey that owls eat.
Longer Grass/Weeds: Unmowed areas provide cover for prey, making your yard more appealing to owls.
2. Nesting:
Owl Boxes:
Install an owl box, ensuring it's made of untreated wood and has an appropriate sized entry hole (3-inch-by-4-inch oval or 3-inch diameter round).
Location:
Place the box near tree lines but not too close to dense woods, especially if Great Horned Owls or Red-Tailed Hawks (Barn Owl predators) are present.
Natural Cavities:
If possible, leave dead trees or large dead limbs standing as they often have natural cavities used by owls.
3. Food:
Prey:
Small rodent populations (voles, mice) as they are a primary food source for many owl species.
Water:
Provide a large, deep bird bath or a small water feature, ensuring safety for smaller animals by placing stones on one side.
4. Other Tips:
Minimize Light Pollution:
Owls are nocturnal, so reduce outdoor lighting, especially floodlights, to minimize disturbance.
Learn About Local Owls:
Research which owl species are common in your area and their specific habitat preferences.
By creating a welcoming environment for owls, you can increase the likelihood of them choosing your yard as a home.

20/04/2025

And this is why we have a feral Cat problem!
This ignorant woman is looking for someone silly enough to take two undesexed male cats and put them out into the environment! 🤬

19/04/2025

This page was asked to describe ways people can help wildlife. Credit to: Wild Animals Australia.
Here is fifty of them.

🟩 Habitat Protection & Restoration -

🟢Plant native species in your yard or community spaces.
🟢Create pollinator gardens for bees, butterflies, & other insects.
🟢Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that harm ecosystems.
🟢Let part of your yard go wild - leave leaf litter, brush piles, or dead trees.
🟢Build wildlife shelters (birdhouses, bat boxes, frog hotels)
🟢Support wetland, rain forest, and marine restoration projects.
🟢Participate in local cleanups (beaches, rivers, parks).
🟢Reduce lawn area - grass monocultures aren't great for wildlife.
🟢Practice "no-mow spring” to protect ground-nesting species and insects.
🟢Use organic or regenerative gardening practices.

🟪Wildlife-Friendly Living

🟣Keep cats indoors or build a "catio" to prevent bird/ small mammal deaths.
🟣Drive carefully in areas with wildlife crossings.
🟣Install window decals or screens to prevent bird collisions.
🟣Turn off outdoor lights at night to avoid disorienting nocturnal species.
🟣Use humane, non-lethal methods for relocating animals from your home
🟣Avoid feeding wild animals - it can lead to dependency
🟣Secure garbage to prevent wildlife eating inappropriate food.
🟣Check for animals before mowing or trimming shrubs.
🟣Cover chimneys/ seal vents to keep animals from getting trapped.
🟣Keep dogs on leashes in natural areas and nesting zones.

🟥Sustainable Choices

🔴Buy sustainable seafood
🔴Reduce single-use plastics - they harm marine and terrestrial life.
🔴Support brands that prioritise conservation.
🔴Buy eco-friendly products (reef-safe sunscreen, biodegradable goods).
🔴Use less water - saves habitats & species relying on freshwater sources.
🔴Eat less meat or switch to sustainable meat sources.
🔴Choose recycled or secondhand goods to reduce environmental impact.
🔴Compost food scraps to reduce landfill waste.
🔴Use public transport, walk, or bike to reduce emissions.
🔴Reduce energy usage (switch to LEDs, insulate,)

🟦Education & Advocacy

🔵Learn about local species and ecosystems.
🔵Share wildlife conservation info on social media.
🔵Teach children to respect and appreciate wildlife.
🔵Support wildlife documentaries, books, and educational media.
🔵Join citizen science programs (e.g. bird counts, insect surveys).
🔵Volunteer with wildlife rescues or conservation groups.
🔵Advocate for green spaces in your community.
🔵Organize or attend conservation-focused events or talks.
🔵Talk to neighbors about wildlife-friendly practices.
🔵Stay informed about conservation legislation.

🟨Financial & Policy Support

🟡 Donate to registered wildlife organizations.
🟡Adopt" an animal through a sanctuary or wildlife group
🟡Support local land trusts or rewilding projects.
🟡Support wildlife reserves clean up days
🟡Vote for policies and leaders who support environmental protection.
🟡Encourage businesses to be more eco-friendly.
🟡Report illegal wildlife trade or poaching activity.
🟡Avoid buying souvenirs made from animal parts (e.g., ivory, coral).
🟡Support indigenous-led conservation efforts.
🟡 Fund or promote research that helps wildlife.

You are welcome to add to the list 😀