by Sandy Mooney

Created on: February 02, 2009   Last Updated: February 14, 2009

I live in country New South Wales, Australia. We are on 126 acres of hilly country, which is ideal for my favourite hobby. It is also what lead me to educate others in a 'what-to-do' situation with Native Wildlife.

As a Native Animal Rescue and Care trained person, I'd like to give you a little info about the wonderful native animals we have here in Australia.

I specialize in the care of kangaroos, possums, and native birds. And I'd like to do a series of articles on each one. Starting with a good Aussie favourite. The Kangaroo.

The Eastern Grey Kangaroo is the most common species where I live in country NSW . Many of these are hit by cars, especially at dusk, when they come out to feed. Alas, many have joeys (baby Kangaroos) in their pouches, and this how most come to have to be put in care with people like me.

Coccidiosis is the most common disease that occurs in Eastern Greys. This is brought about by several reasons, but the biggest cause is stress. Any animal under 5kgs in weight, is very hard to save once this disease sets in. Many would not even try, but rather, have the poor animal euthanased before it has to go through too much discomfort.

If you come across a joey, whose mother has been killed, or injured, the best thing to do is wrap it up warm, and keep it in a quiet place until you can contact someone to pick it up. Although they are cute, and it is a great temptation to cuddle it, oo', and ah' over it, this is NOT what is best for the frightened little critter. This can lead to big problems, and be fatal.

To a joey, who has lost it's Mum, you are a predator, and the stress put on it by human presence, leads to death very quickly, if not handled properly.

Anyone can learn how to care for these beautiful animals with the right training. There is a special group of us in New South Wales. Other states of Australia also have organizations that do this.

I find this a very rewarding volunteer job. Sad when you lose a battle with them, but very rewarding when you have raised a little joey, and then you release it when big enough, and it joins the wild ones.

They are released when about 5kgs in weight.

I've raised and released quite a few, and occasionally I see them up the back of of our farm in the hills. Once they go wild, they won't let you near them again, and then you know you have done your job properly. It's a lovely site to see them end up so happy.

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