The Darling Range Wildlife Shelter Inc. (DRWS) is a not-for-profit organization. It currently looks after over 60 joeys and juvenile kangaroos with numerous birds, possums, bandicoots and shingleback lizards also being nursed. Our objective is to work towards their release back into their natural environment. Volunteers work hard establishing and confirming safe and suitable release sites for all our wildlife. The preference is always for wildlife to be returned to its own or at least familiar territory.
Each year we record over 600 admissions. This number includes various birds, (including the rare Western Rosella which is currently listed as vulnerable), bats, shingleback lizards, tortoises, many kangaroos, bandicoots and possums, (including Pigmy and Western Ringtail Possums which are currently listed as threatened).
As of December 2006, the day-to-day running of the Shelter was carried out by over 100 volunteers participating in a variety of roles, including working one or more of the twice daily shifts. Volunteers are available from 8.30am until 12noon and from 2.30pm until 5.00pm each day.
Keeping in mind the increasing pressure placed on wildlife and their habitat, DRWS is a member of the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA). We have presented to the CCWA who have been most interested in our work and aims.
We are actively involved in local wildlife and habitat management issues, and support opportunities for community education by presenting at the Perth Royal Show and other Department of Environment and Conservation events, and for various schools and community groups.
The Shelter is represented on the Wildlife Rehabilitators Consultation Group (WRCG) which advises DEC on wildlife issues. The members of the WRCG developed the Western Australian Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation which is in process of being endorsed by the DEC executive.
The Shelter could not function without the valuable support offered by the community, which includes financial donations in addition to the provision of valuable goods and services. DRWS is listed on the Register of Environmental Organisations, which means that financial donations are receipted and able to be claimed as a tax deduction by donors.
The Shelter, (formerly the Roleystone Wildlife Hospital), was started by a home-based wildlife carer in Roleystone and has operated for over 15 years. However, by 2005, DRWS had outgrown its previous management and site, and was relocated to larger premises. The Shelter is in the process of developing a purpose built facility with the continued support of the community and its sponsors.
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Available daily 8.30am until 12noon and 2.30pm until 5pm
