The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring injured, sick and orphaned wildlife get the help they need, with a funding boost to support wildlife rescue volunteers.

Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio today announced that applications for the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants are now open, with $230,000 available to support wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria.

Wildlife shelter operators and foster carers can apply for grants of up to $3,000 for equipment, infrastructure, consumables, education and training.

There are more than 700 registered volunteer wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria, playing an important role in rescuing and caring for injured, sick or displaced wildlife and releasing them back into the wild.

Last year the grants were provided to 120 wildlife carers and shelters, funding a range of expenses from new enclosures, nesting boxes and temperature control systems to medication, feed and rescue equipment.

The funding is part of the Labor Government’s Biodiversity 2037 plan – to stop the decline of native plants and animals and improve the state’s natural environment.

The Government has invested more than $560 million in protecting biodiversity and the environment since 2014, more than any in Victoria’s history.

Applications close on Tuesday 6 September 2022, to apply for a grant go to: wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants/

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“The work that wildlife shelters and foster carers do is critically important to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife so animals can be released back to the wild – and that’s why we’re continuing to provide support to them.”

“This is about giving a helping hand to many of Victoria’s dedicated volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife – part of our record investment into protecting the state’s precious biodiversity.”