Frequently asked questions

How do I get the possums out of my roof?

Possums are protected native animals. Due to habitat loss possums sometimes resort to living in chimneys and the roof cavities of sheds and houses. WIRES volunteers cannot assist with roof repairs and relocation. You will need the help of a licenced professional and WIRES are able to provide you with information to help you comply with National Parks and Wildlife regulations. Providing alternative homes for possums via possum boxes will greatly assist. Please call our Rescue Line on 1300 094 737 or fill in our Report a Rescue form for more advice.

What is WIRES Mission Statement?

WIRES mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same.

How many branches and volunteer members does WIRES have?

WIRES have 28 branches around NSW and over 2500 volunteer members.

How old do I have to be to join WIRES?

To become a wildlife rescuer and carer with WIRES you must be 18 or over.

Does WIRES provide funding to cover the cost of food for carers?

On the 21st January 2020, WIRES confirmed that 100% of wildlife food costs from the approved subsidy list for animals in care, would be covered for WIRES volunteers/branches. This was made possible from the significant community response to the 2019/20 bushfires and will be reviewed on an annual basis.  

Between 2014-2019 WIRES conducted an annual Wildlife Food Fund to help raise funds specifically for food, and for several years this was split equally across WIRES 28 branches, prior to that it was given to the branches most in need of food support.

In response to the fires WIRES provided $500,000 of emergency funding to Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC)  which was used for national food distribution to assist other carers and groups.  WIRES is continuing to work with ARC to provide support for the distribution of food nationally.

As part of the 2020 Emergency Relief Grants program WIRES was able to provided further food support nationally to licenced rescuers, rescue organisations and vets following the fires.

WIRES is also partnering with Woolworths on their Food for Wildlife Program.

How is WIRES spending the funds donated to the Emergency Fund during the 2019-2020 drought and bushfire crisis?

In response to the tragic toll of the catastrophic 2020 bushfires, extreme weather and drought on our native wildlife, we are implementing significant projects to help wildlife more broadly across Australia, including partnering on projects to improve long-term outcomes for native animals.

Read the latest updates on our emergency and bushfire projects here.

Can I do my Duke of Edinburgh volunteering with WIRES?

WIRES can sometimes assist with Duke of Edinburgh volunteering in Sydney but the work is administrative with no animal contact. If you would like to ask about opportunities please email info@wires.org.au.

What is the main species WIRES rescue?

We receive more rescue requests for birds than any other species. Other species we also receive thousands of rescue requests for each year include possums, reptiles, macropods and flying-foxes.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, all gifts to WIRES $2 and over are tax-deductible.