DOZENS of wallaby joeys have been orphaned in the Redlands in the past two months after their mothers were hit by cars.
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With wallabies on the move as they come into their breeding season, Capalaba wildlife carer Bev Grant is bottle feeding 11 joeys.
“I’ve been inundated with orphaned joeys recently – up to four in a day – and I’m the only registered wallaby carer in the Redlands,” she said.
“There are lots of wallabies being hit by cars at the moment that has led to more orphaned joeys rescued from their mother’s pouches.
“One of the joeys I’m looking after is a young swamp wallaby called Jack who came to me nine weeks ago with two broken feet. He’s recovered well but demands lots of attention.
“We need more trained carers in the Redlands and we also need drivers to slow down and watch out for wallabies and other wildlife near roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
“If you do hit an animal, stop and see that it is okay, check if there is a joey in the pouch and call the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue on 3833 4031 for help.”
Ms Grant bottle-feeds the orphans every three hours.
Hot spots for animal kills over the past two months include Lyndon Road, between Korawal and Honeymyrtle Roads, Capalaba; Vienna Road, near Scribbly Gums Conservation Area, Alexandra Hills; Heinemann Road, 1km north and south of the Giles Road intersection, Redland Bay; and Woodlands Drive near the large bend between Platres Drive and Taylor Road, Thornlands.
Mrs Grant, who has cared for thousands of injured and orphaned birds, sugar gliders, possums, kangaroos, koalas and wallabies over the past 20 years, said she looked after the animals until they were old enough or well enough to be returned to the wild.
The 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service is funded and coordinated by Redland City Council, and operated by volunteers, while the work of local wildlife carers is supported by the council grants.
Car strikes from ever-growing fast multi-lane roads are also a major factor in the loss of Redlands koalas.
Mayor Karen Williams said residents were privileged to have significant wallaby populations.
“We must be mindful to watch for them near the roadside particularly at this time of year,” she said.
“Redlands Wildlife Rescue is always in need of more hands, including volunteers to answer the phone day and night, wildlife rescuers to transport sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and registered carers.”
Visit www.indigiscapes.com.au or call 3824 8611 to learn more about upcoming training events for volunteers and registration requirements for wildlife carers.
