Caring for Macropods
A network for carers throughout Australia.
Information & links for Australian Macropod carers
What do you feed them
Formulas for Kangaroos, what to feed rescued Macropods
Never feed cow’s milk to macropods. Macropods are lactose intolerant, and giving them cow’s milk can lead to serious health issues, including blindness.
Looking after wild animals is a complex and demanding task. Numerous factors need to be carefully weighed, but the most crucial aspect is ensuring the animal’s physical and emotional well-being
In Australia, there are specialised kangaroo milk formulas designed to support the health and growth of orphaned or injured joeys. These formulas are specifically designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of macropods, as their milk composition is different from that of other mammals. Here are some available kangaroo milk formulas:
1. Wombaroo Macropod Milk Powder
: Wombaroo offers a range of milk powders tailored to the nutritional needs of macropods, including kangaroos and wallabies.
Website Wombaroo
2. Biolac Kangaroo Milk Formula
: Biolac is a widely used milk formula in Australia for macropods, offering a well-balanced nutritional profile suitable for orphaned joeys.
Website Biolac Australia
These options all have dedicated websites for more information or to purchase their formulas.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Formula:
Age of Joey: Formulas are tailored for specific stages of development, so age and size are crucial factors when selecting the correct milk replacement.
Veterinary Guidance: It’s always recommended to consult a veterinarian or wildlife carer when choosing a formula to ensure the health and well-being of the joey.
These formulas are available through veterinary suppliers, wildlife care organizations, and online stores in Australia.
Please note that in Australia, a permit is required to rehabilitate wildlife.
Common problems carers encounter
Macropod carers face a variety of challenges when rehabilitating and caring for kangaroos, wallabies, and other macropods. Here are some common problems:
1. Health Issues in Rescued Animals.
Injuries: Many macropods are rescued after being hit by vehicles, attacked by predators, or caught in fences, often requiring intensive medical care.
Diseases: Conditions such as toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, or lumpy jaw are common.
Parasites: Infestations of fleas, ticks, or internal parasites can weaken rescued animals.
Malnutrition: Orphaned joeys may suffer from poor nutrition before rescue.
2. Feeding Challenges
Dietary Specifics: Each macropod species has unique dietary needs, and improper feeding can lead to conditions like metabolic bone disease, blindness and digestive issues.
Access to Suitable Food: Providing natural forage or appropriate substitutes can be difficult, especially during droughts.
3. Stress Management
– Captivity Stress: Wild animals often experience high-stress levels when confined or handled, which can lead to illness or injury.
Joey Bonding Issues: Orphaned joeys require close care to mimic their mothers, but over-attachment can hinder their reintroduction to the wild.
4. Rehabilitation and Release
Soft Release Challenges: Gradually reintroducing macropods to the wild is resource-intensive and often complicated by their territorial nature.
Integration with Wild Populations: Released macropods may face rejection or aggression from established mobs.
5. Predators and Human Threats
Predation: Domestic dogs, cats, and foxes pose a risk to young or injured macropods.
Vehicle Collisions: The continued risk of accidents, even post-rehabilitation, is high in some areas.
6. Environmental and Climate Factors
Drought: Lack of water and food during dry periods increases the number of animals in need of care.
Habitat Loss: Urban development and deforestation limit safe areas for release.
7. Regulatory and Legal Challenges
Licensing: Carers need permits to rehabilitate wildlife, which may involve complex applications and renewals.
Relocation Restrictions: Moving macropods between regions may require special permissions.
Limited Funding: Regulations can restrict access to funding or resources.
8. Physical and Emotional Toll on Carers
Time and Energy: Feeding and caring for joeys requires around-the-clock attention.
Emotional Strain: The loss of animals despite best efforts can be emotionally taxing.
Injuries to Carers: Larger macropods can cause injuries when frightened or defensive.
9. Community and Public Perception
Lack of Awareness: People may not understand the importance of macropod conservation or how to interact with wildlife appropriately.
Interference: Well-meaning but uninformed individuals may harm joeys by incorrect handling or feeding.
10. Funding and Resources
– Costs: Veterinary bills, food, and shelter can strain carers financially.
Limited Access: Rural carers may struggle to access quality veterinary care or macropod-specific supplies.
Efforts to educate the public, improve funding, and develop supportive networks for carers can help address many of these challenges.
Coexist
learning to live and care for our macropods
Become a carer
Join your local wildlife group and learn how to care for macropods
Become a safe release site
Wildlife rehabilitation groups require release sites for macropods to ensure the successful return of these animals to their natural environment. These sites provide a safe and suitable habitat where rehabilitated macropods can acclimate to the wild and develop essential survival skills before being released. Release sites must have adequate food and water sources, shelter, and minimal human disturbance. They also need to be located in areas with existing populations of the same species, allowing for social integration and learning opportunities. By providing these crucial release sites, rehabilitation groups can increase the chances of long-term survival for rescued macropods and contribute to the conservation of these important native animals.
Become a supporter
Supporting independent wildlife carers and groups is crucial for the health of our native wildlife. These dedicated individuals and organsations often operate on limited resources, yet they provide invaluable care for injured, orphaned, and sick animals. By donating funds, volunteering time, or simply spreading awareness, you can help ensure that these vital services continue. Your support directly contributes to the rehabilitation and release of countless animals, preserving our unique biodiversity and ecological balance.