These three native animal rescue stories in the Brisbane region teach us all that we can do our bit to prevent harm to our Australian wildlife, and even small acts can potentially save an animal's life.
In late October, RSPCA team member Chloe worked tirelessly for hours to free a baby plover from a 2-metre deep sewerage pipe.
Despite Chloe's efforts to rescue the bird, which included fashioning catch poles and other objects from nets, coat hangers and long handles, the pipe proved too deep to reach the trapped plover. This combined with the darkness, Chloe was unable to rescue the plover that night.
First thing the next morning, the RSPCA rescue team returned to the site, following confirmation that the plover was still trapped there.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - QFES, provided reinforcement which included an ex-plumber. With the ex-plumber's knowledge of the sewer systems and manhole locations, the young bird was rescue. It was found waiting for its saviours when the team opened a manhole.
After a check-up at the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital and a little TLC, the baby plover perked right up, and was reunited with its parents and two siblings the following morning!
If you would like to help in the rescue of animals, sign up to become a Volunteer Animal Ambulance Driver.
In a similar incident, a curlew chick was found in a roadside drain by married couple and long-term RSPCA volunteers Marlea and Danny, who work for the RSPCA Animal Ambulance.
Once on location in Banyo, it quickly became obvious where the curlew was trapped with the chick’s parents hanging around the area.
After encountering an obstacle in the form of the drain's gate being rusted shut, Marlea was able to squeeze her hand through the bars and ushered the bird into a corner, where she captured it with her fingertips.
After being cleared of injuries and dehydration, the chick was placed on the ground where she ran to her parents. The trio of curlews were now happily reunited and then disappeared into a garden bed.
Earlier this year, a kangaroo joey was rescued from the roadside by a member of the community.
The woman, who was travelling from Dalby to Brisbane, thoughtfully stopped when she found a deceased kangaroo on the side of the road. Upon closer inspection, she discovered a joey inside the kangaroo's pouch.
She immediately drove the young joey to the RSPCA in Wacol where he received a full vet check at the Wildlife Hospital.
A special thank you to everyone who stops to check deceased animals on our roads. If the woman who rescued Charlie had not stopped to check his mother, he may not have survived.
Read more tips about how to avoid wildlife while driving and what to do if you come across a deceased animal.
If you see a sick or injured animal, please call the 24/7 Animal Emergency Hotline at 1300 ANIMAL.
