The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring injured wildlife get the help they need, with a new online help tool and more than $171,000 in funding for rehabilitators.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today launched Help for Injured Wildlife, a new tool that connects Victorians with volunteers and professionals who can assist animals when they are in trouble.

The new online tool provides information about wildlife rehabilitators, rescue organisations and veterinarians in local areas who can care for the type of animal in need of help, such as a kangaroo or koala.

The tool is smartphone compatible and includes advice for first responders according to the type of animal and the injury it appears to have sustained.

Victoria has a network of authorised and dedicated volunteers who provide an essential service helping wildlife found in distress or pain.

To further support Victoria’s wildlife volunteers, 102 recipients will share in almost $170,000 as part of the latest round of the Labor Government’s Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants.

The Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants help with the costs associated with caring for Victoria’s diverse wildlife.

The program supports wildlife rehabilitators buy equipment and infrastructure to help with the operation of their facilities and to attend appropriate training.

Now celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program has provided over $1.5 million to the state’s wildlife carers since 2008.

For more information on the Help for Injured Wildlife tool and Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants, visit wildlife.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This tool will make it quicker and easier for injured animals to get the help they need, anywhere in Victoria.”

“Our Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants are supporting the volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife when they need it most.”