Newcastle NSW - Animal carers and rescuers in short supply

Over 200 baby bats were rescued by The Native Animal Trust Fund in the Newcastle area on New Year's Day. "Once the temperature hits 43 degrees, baby bats can't cope and they just fall out of the sky," volunteer carer and rescuer Rochelle Wood said.

The Trust Fund called on carers from Coffs Harbour to help care for the bats, due to a lack of local volunteers.

The Native Animal Trust Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that has been rescuing and caring for injured native animals in the Hunter since 1974.

Last year it dealt with over 4000 animals in need.

The Native Animal Trust Fund is the National Parks and Wildlife Services' lice-nced rescue group in the Hunter ? they cover the area from Swansea in the south to Karauh in the north, and inland towards Cessnock, Singleton and Dungog.

Due to the large area it covers, the Native Animal Trust Fund treats many native species from echidnas in Merewether, to native birds attacked by cats and dogs, to koalas burnt in bushfires in Port Stephens.

Ms Wood said people were often unsure of what to do on finding an injured animal.

"People think that if they take an injured native animal to the vets they'll get charged for it."

This is not the case. Many vets do not charge for these cases, and if they do, the Native Animal Trust Fund picks up the bill.

Animals can be dropped off at most vets and the RSPCA animal hospitals at Rutherford and Elizabeth Street, Tighes Hill, who will pass them on to the Native Animal Trust Fund.

The organisation also runs a 24-hour animal rescue hotline.

The Native Animal Trust Fund has a shortage of volunteers ? they only have 83 carers and 20 rescuers for the Hunter region.

To become a carer, there is a compulsory two-day introduction curse and further train-ing in a specific species.

Extra training is needed to become a rescuer.

There are also non-carer roles in the organisation, such as phone operators or helping to transfer animals from the RSPCA to carers.

The 24-hour helpline to report an injured animal is 0500 502 294.

If you are interested in joining, donating or becoming a carer or rescuer, call Phil on 4943 9492 or write to the Native Animal Trust Fund at PO Box 1052, Toronto, 2283.

Reference: http://newcastle.yourguide.com.au

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