By Mitchell Clarke
A non-profit wildlife rescue organisation – which responds to call outs 24 hours a day – will receive a funding boost from a $9 million volunteer fund.
Wildlife Incident Safe Haven (WISH) has been operating as a non-profit organisation in the south east for about a year and a half, working to rescue, rehabilitate and release native Australian wildlife.
“Before this I was a wildlife carer for a year. I volunteered with another shelter to become a wildlife carer and after a year of being a licensed carer I was able to apply to become a shelter license holder,” WISH founder Sarah Cooke explained.
“We not only care for the animals in our own homes, but we also go out and rescue them when they have become injured or displaced.”
Based in Berwick, Ms Cooke has transformed her home into a rescue centre for orphaned joeys that her and her team have rescued.
Each member is highly trained and experienced when it comes to making the heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanise injured or dying wildlife.
“We all work, have families and personal lives but continue to help our wildlife whenever we can because they deserve to be treated with respect and to be helped when they are struggling,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’ve always had a passion for animals since I was very little. I always knew that when I grew up, I wanted to work with them.”
The federal funding grant of $5000 will go towards purchasing extra safety equipment for volunteers, particularly when performing tricky rescues at night or in bad weather.
“Equipment such as a thermal camera, kangaroo transport bag and nets would be a huge benefit and greatly help us to continue the work we do,” Ms Cooke said.
Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood said the funding would go a long way in supporting organisations and volunteers, who play an “integral” part in society.
“Volunteers embody the best of our community with thousands of people regularly volunteering their skills, services and time to make life in La Trobe better for those around them,” Mr Wood said.
Despite Ms Cooke coming into contact with horrific scenes involving kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and even deer, on a daily basis, she still feels compelled to provide the honourable service.
“We see cruelty, pain and horrific injuries … no matter how much that hurts and how upset it makes me feel I continue to do this because if I didn’t who else would? Who would help ease the pain for the animal left to die on the side of the road?
“Just because they are animals does not mean they don’t deserve to be treated with respect and having someone care for them in their last moments,” she said.
“My message to people would be to respect them, respect that where you are living was once their home.
“They didn’t do anything wrong to us, all they want to do is live in peace. Respect your surroundings, and if you know you have wildlife in your area, keep a look out for them, drive a bit slower and learn to live alongside them.”
