🐨 Wildlife Rescue FAQs
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If you find an injured koala in South Australia, the most important thing is to keep a safe distance and call SKER immediately 0435 056 252
Koalas can become stressed and defensive when injured, and handling them without training can cause further harm to both you and the animal.
If it is safe to do so, you can:
Keep people and pets away
Observe from a distance
Note the exact location
Do not attempt to give food or water unless instructed. Contact SKER as soon as possible so a trained rescuer can respond.
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If you hit a kangaroo, koala, or other wildlife, always stop if it is safe to do so.
Check the animal from a distance and call SKER 0435 056 252. Even if the animal has passed away, it’s important to check for babies in the pouch, as they may still be alive.
If safe:
Move the animal off the road (only if deceased)
Check for signs of life
Keep the area safe for other drivers
Never leave an injured animal without calling for help—your call could save a life
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If you find injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife in South Australia, you can contact Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) for assistance.
Our trained volunteers and vet-supported team respond to wildlife emergencies and provide rescue, rehabilitation, and release services.
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call—early intervention can make all the difference.
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We strongly recommend not handling injured wildlife unless absolutely necessary and safe to do so.
Wild animals are often frightened and in pain, which can make them unpredictable. Even small animals can bite, scratch, or carry disease.
If instructed by a rescuer, you may be guided on how to safely contain the animal using:
A towel or blanket
A ventilated box
Minimal handling
Always contact SKER first for advice.
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Not all baby animals are abandoned. In many cases, their parent is nearby.
Before intervening:
Observe from a distance
Look for signs of injury or distress
Avoid touching or moving the animal
If the animal appears injured, weak, or in immediate danger, contact SKER for guidance. Incorrect intervention can sometimes do more harm than good, so it’s always best to check first.
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Wildlife should only be rescued when truly necessary.
Do not intervene if the animal:
Appears healthy and alert
Is behaving naturally
Is simply resting or moving through the area
For example, echidnas and koalas are often seen during the day and do not always need help.
If you’re unsure, take a photo (from a distance) and contact SKER for advice before acting.
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If a rescuer has advised you to contain an animal, the goal is to keep it calm, dark, and quiet.
You can:
Gently place a towel over the animal
Use a ventilated box with a secure lid
Keep the box in a warm, quiet place
Avoid handling the animal more than necessary and never offer food or water unless instructed.
🦔 Species-Specific FAQs
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If an echidna is crossing the road, the best thing you can do is slow down and allow it to move safely on its own.
Echidnas are strong, determined animals and usually know where they’re going.
Only intervene if:
The animal is injured
It is in immediate danger
It is unable to move
In those cases, contact SKER for advice.
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No—echidnas are naturally active both day and night, especially in cooler weather.
Seeing an echidna during the day is completely normal and does not mean it needs rescuing.
Only contact SKER if the echidna appears injured, lethargic, or in danger.
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Signs a koala may need help include:
Sitting low in a tree or on the ground
Discharge from eyes or nose
Laboured breathing
Lethargy or unusual behaviour
If you notice any of these signs, contact SKER immediately. Early treatment greatly improves survival outcomes.
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In most cases, no.
Giving incorrect food or water can cause serious harm, especially to injured or stressed animals.
If an animal appears in distress, contact SKER and follow instructions. In some cases, a rescuer may guide you on safe ways to assist.
💛 Donations & Support FAQs
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No—Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) does not receive regular government funding for its rescue and rehabilitation work.
Our lifesaving efforts are entirely funded by generous public donations. Every contribution helps us care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
As of March 2026, our onsite vet centre receives a small amount of local government support, which is used specifically to assist with its operation.
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Your donation goes directly toward the care and treatment of native wildlife, including:
Veterinary treatment and medications
Rescue equipment and transport
Food and rehabilitation supplies
Running costs of our vet centre
Every dollar helps us rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals back into the wild.
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We appreciate the generosity of our supporters. However, due to strict veterinary requirements, we cannot accept most human medical supplies.
If you have items you’d like to donate, please contact us first with details so we can confirm what is suitable.
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Yes—donations to SKER are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers.
A receipt will be provided for your records.
For US residents you can donate through Global Giving.
🙋 Volunteer FAQs
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To become a volunteer with SKER, you’ll need to complete our online application form via our website.
From there, we assess your availability, location, and interests to match you with suitable roles.
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No prior experience is necessary for many roles.
We provide training and support to help you get started. What matters most is your commitment, reliability, and passion for helping wildlife.
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Wildlife rescue can be physically and emotionally challenging.
Animals are often in pain and frightened, which can make them defensive. Training and safety protocols are in place, but it’s important to understand the risks involved.
🏥 Vet Centre FAQs
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Yes—SKER operates an onsite wildlife vet centre to support the treatment and rehabilitation of native animals.
This allows us to provide faster, more specialised care for injured wildlife.
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In some cases, yes—but we always recommend calling first.
This ensures our team is prepared and can provide instructions to keep both you and the animal safe.
🐾 General FAQs
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Once rescued, animals are:
Assessed and treated by our veterinary team
Cared for during rehabilitation
Released back into the wild when fully recovered
Our goal is always to return animals to their natural habitat.
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Yes—you can support SKER by sponsoring an animal currently in care.
Sponsorships are a meaningful way to contribute directly to an animal’s recovery while helping fund our ongoing rescue efforts.
Want to learn more…
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Ways to Give
Learn about all the ways you can support SKER
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More than a wildlife rescue
Read more about SKER
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Wildlife Vet Centre
Read all about SA’s only Fulltime wildlife vet clinic
