Heat wave affects Australian animals Healesville Sanctuary closed today

Victoria’s wildlife will struggle to cope with today’s scorching temperatures, with little reprieve expected over the next week.

Although Healesville Sanctuary is closed today due to the extreme weather forecast and the threat of high winds which may pose a safety risk to visitors, staff and volunteers, the Australian Wildlife Health Centre will remain open for critically injured wildlife. 

“The closure of the Sanctuary is a precaution for tourists visiting the Yarra Valley and will allow staff to focus on the needs of the animals to ensure their comfort and safety,” Ross Williamson, Healesville Sanctuary Director said. “A comprehensive emergency management plan allows for essential staff – a small number of keepers, veterinarians and curators – to remain at the Sanctuary. 

“Animals without access to shade and water really suffer on days like today,” Mr Williamson said. “We encourage everyone to fill birdbaths and leave water out for animals struggling in the heat.”

"In previous heatwaves, we’ve triaged birds that have become lethargic and landed fatally close to dogs and cats," he said. "Young possums literally fall out of trees.” 

The first 24 hours after an animal is rescued is critical, according to Mr Williamson. “Until you know what to do, keep the animal in a cool, quiet dark place. Holding, playing or showing the animal to other people might cause it to die of stress.” Healesville Sanctuary’s vet team has other tips for people wanting to help save our Australian wildlife in these extreme conditions: 

1. Leave unspillable bowls of water up high for possums but not on carport roofs as the heat from steel can burn their paws. 
2. Place water in shallow terracotta bowls on the ground for lizards. 
3. Top up birdbaths with cool water. 
4. Keep dogs and cats confined so that when wildlife comes in search of water they’re not vulnerable to attacks. 
5. If you put a bucket of water out, put a stick in it to prevent possums falling in and drowning. 
6. If you find a dehydrated animal in need of help, bring it into a cool, quiet place and offer it water. Do NOT offer it sugar water. 
7.  Keep it in a box in front of a fan with an ice pack in front of it, on tiles; if it gets better then consider releasing it at dusk when it is cooler. 

Triage will remain open between 10am and 4pm for critically injured wildlife. Media contact: Judy Robertson, Communications Manager Healesville Sanct