Wildlife Rescue

The margo kroyer-pedersen wildlife shelter is named after the  renowned wildlife artist who used her art to pay for the care of sick, orphaned and injured wildlife. She cared for all types of Australia's native animals but was particularly fond of possums, wombats and raptors.

Those of us with concerns about wildlife and the dwindling native vegetation that provides their homes, find it difficult to decide the best way to help. In our region--Bass Coast Shire--more native vegetation is destroyed every year than is planted by all the Landcare groups put together.

The shelter looks after native species of all types--birds, mammals and reptiles (other than venomous snakes).

We are dedicated to increasing awareness of the value of our native plants and animals as well as finding positive solutions to the pressures facing native fauna and flora communities.
It is pleasing that at last the Bass Valley is being treated in the same way as other waterways in the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority area with the involvement of Melbourne Water and its Stream Frontage Program.
Caring for wildlife in the shelter, plant and animal species identification, revegetation, erosion control work and environmental auditing are some of the ways we are able to find practical answers to problems on a local, regional and even a national level.
You can help us to achieve goals we have set by becoming a key part of our network of supporters. We operate a wildlife rescue service as well as undertaking a variety of community education programs.

We operate a wildlife ambulance to pick up injured animals throughout our region and bring them back to the shelter for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation before they are released back into the wild.

This photo was the first confirmed sighting of Bobucks in the Bass Valley for more than 40 years. We found a breeding colony on the Bass River in riparian forest. It is  a remnant from the days when Bobucks abounded in the region. Now a colony has also been found  in The Gurdies Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Bats are great little critters and  are   sometimes brought to the shelter .

Kangaroos, wallabies and wombats live on the property and youngsters are often cared for in  the shelter.

Fauna survey work is part of our activities including night surveys with infrared scopes

Ringtail possums are everywhere in the area.

Koalas scamper up trees all over the property.

The margo kroyer-pedersen wildlife shelter, operated by Anne Westwood is part of the voluntary Help for Wildlife network which links shelters all over Victoria. One phone number 0417380687 will get a message to the nearest shelter in an emergency. As all shelters are voluntary it is not always possible to get an immediate response. Most vets will assist with providing immediate care for native wildlife at no cost if a local shelter cannot be contacted.
Donations such as sheets, blankets, tinned cat and dog food (useful for raising some birds) are always welcome. Sometimes cash donations are made to help cover the cost of buying low lactose milk formula needed to raise marsupials and for petrol and other vehicle running costs. The total cost of running the shelter varies from year to year depending on the level of activity (particularly the number of injuries from road trauma or attacks by domestic dogs and cats). From time to time new enclosures and cages have to be built or bought to meet the needs of the animals.
We have 145 species of birds in the region as well as 54 species of native orchids.

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Phone: 03 56788483
Fax: 03 56788483
Email: freeranger@dcsi.net.au