Registered Australian Charity

Rescuing and Rehabilitating Western Australia's Native Wildlife

Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc. is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation dedicated to treating and caring for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, with the goal of releasing them back into their natural environment.

30+ Years Active
500+ Animals Yearly
100% Volunteer Run
ACNC RegisteredABN 32 783 498 202

Caring for Wildlife, Preserving Our Natural Heritage

For over three decades, our dedicated volunteers have been the first responders for native wildlife in crisis across the Shire of Chittering and surrounding regions of Western Australia.

Why We Exist

Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc. was established to address the growing need for organised wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in the Shire of Chittering, Western Australia. While individual wildlife carers had been active in the region for over 30 years, the group formally incorporated in 2007 to strengthen their collective impact and coordinate rescue efforts more effectively.

Our primary aim is to treat and care for sick, injured and immature native wildlife in order to re-establish rehabilitated wildlife into their natural environment. For animals that cannot be safely released, we provide a protected natural or near-natural environment in a secure or unconfined habitat where they can live with dignity.

As a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), we operate with full transparency and accountability. Every dollar donated goes directly towards the care and rehabilitation of native wildlife, from emergency veterinary treatment to specialised food and habitat construction.

Our mission is simple: every native animal deserves a chance at survival. Whether it is a joey orphaned on the roadside, a raptor with a broken wing, or an echidna displaced by land clearing, we are here to help.

Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc.

Compassion

Every animal receives individualised attention, care, and the best chance of recovery and release back to the wild.

Community

We bring together passionate volunteers across the region to create a network of skilled wildlife carers and supporters.

Education

We educate the public on native wildlife, their habitats, and how human activity impacts species across Western Australia.

Dedication

Our carers are on call around the clock, providing emergency wildlife rescue services 365 days a year with no exceptions.

Comprehensive Wildlife Care Services

From the moment an injured animal is reported to us, our experienced volunteers coordinate a complete care journey through rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release.

Emergency Wildlife Rescue

When a member of the public finds sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife, our trained volunteers respond quickly to assess, rescue and transport the animal to appropriate care.

  • 24/7 emergency hotline
  • Rapid response across Chittering shire
  • Trained animal handling specialists
  • Safe transport to care facilities

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Our carers provide expert rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife, from hand-raising orphaned joeys to treating fractures, infections and other injuries under veterinary guidance.

  • Species-specific care protocols
  • Veterinary-supervised treatment
  • Orphan hand-raising programs
  • Physical rehabilitation for injuries

Release & Habitat Protection

The ultimate goal of every rehabilitation is successful release back into the wild. We carefully assess release readiness and select appropriate habitat locations to give animals the best chance.

  • Graduated soft-release programs
  • Habitat suitability assessments
  • Post-release monitoring
  • Permanent sanctuary for non-releasable animals

Community Education

We run educational programs and outreach activities to help the community understand native wildlife, their habitats, and how to coexist peacefully with the animals that share our environment.

  • School and community presentations
  • Wildlife awareness campaigns
  • Habitat conservation guidance
  • Coexistence best practices

Volunteer Training

We provide comprehensive training for new volunteers who want to become wildlife carers, covering animal handling, species identification, first aid, and rehabilitation techniques.

  • New carer induction programs
  • Species-specific handling workshops
  • Wildlife first aid certification
  • Ongoing skill development

Specialist Species Care

Our network includes carers with decades of experience in specific species, from macropods and echidnas to black cockatoos, raptors, reptiles and snakes, ensuring expert care for every animal.

  • Macropod specialists (35+ years experience)
  • Black cockatoo and raptor experts
  • Echidna and monotreme carers
  • Reptile and snake handlers

Found Injured Wildlife?

If you have found a sick, injured or orphaned native animal, contact us immediately. Our experienced volunteer carers are ready to help.

0498 883 643

24/7 Emergency Wildlife Hotline

Ann Graham

Macropods, Echidnas & Birds
Upper Chittering · 35 years experience
0427 992 099

Bev Murphy

Macropods & Possums
Bindoon / Gingin · 12 years experience
0408 080 674

Dean Arthurell

Black Cockatoos, Raptors & Birds
Bindoon · 10 years experience
0439 005 651

Jean Eager

Macropods & Birds
Bindoon / Gingin · 5 years experience
0402 205 139

Trinette Evans

Macropods & Birds
Grass Valley / Northam · 14 years experience
0447 494 923

Marnie Giroud

Reptiles & Snakes
Chittering · Specialist handler
0403 162 004

Safety Tips While Waiting for Help

  • Always consider your personal safety first. If driving, find a safe place to pull over before assisting wildlife.
  • When rescuing wildlife from the roadside, be aware of passing traffic and wear a hi-vis vest if you have one.
  • Approach the animal with care. Injured animals may bite or scratch out of fear and pain.
  • If safe to do so, gently place the animal in a dark, quiet, ventilated box lined with a soft cloth.
  • Do not attempt to feed the animal or give it water. Contact an experienced carer immediately.
  • Please do not leave any animal to suffer a slow, painful death. Call for help so it can be rescued or humanely euthanised.

Making a Real Difference for Wildlife

Every year, our volunteer carers make a tangible impact on the survival and welfare of native wildlife across the Chittering region and beyond.

30+

Years of Care

Wildlife carers active in Chittering since the early 1990s

500+

Animals Per Year

Sick, injured and orphaned animals rescued and treated annually

6

Specialist Carers

Experienced carers covering macropods, birds, reptiles and more

24/7

Always Available

Emergency wildlife rescue services available every day of the year

Help Us Protect Native Wildlife

Whether you can offer your time, your skills, or financial support, every contribution makes a real difference to the survival of native wildlife in our community.

Become a Volunteer

New members and volunteers are always welcome. We are keen to hear from anyone who can provide their time and services, whether as a wildlife carer, transport driver, fundraiser or administrative helper. No prior experience is required as we provide full training.

Join Our Team

Corporate Sponsorship

Businesses can partner with us through corporate sponsorship programs. Sponsors receive recognition on our website and communications, and the knowledge that their contribution is making a tangible difference to native wildlife conservation in Western Australia.

Partner With Us

Organisation Details & Governance

Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc. is a registered Australian charity committed to the highest standards of transparency, governance and accountability.

Charity Registration

Legal Name
Chittering Wild Life Carers Inc
ABN
32 783 498 202
ACNC Status
Registered Charity
Charity Size
Small
Established
2007
Type
Other Incorporated Entity
Location
Shire of Chittering, WA
Subtypes
Advancing Natural Environment

Our History

Wildlife care in the Chittering region has a proud history stretching back more than 30 years. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, a dedicated group of individuals worked independently to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife in the area, often at their own expense and with little formal support.

In 2007, recognising the need for greater coordination, resources, and community recognition, these carers came together to formally establish Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc. as an incorporated body. This formalisation allowed the group to apply for grants, receive tax-deductible donations, and build stronger partnerships with veterinary clinics, local government, and the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Today, the organisation operates with a team of specialist carers covering macropods, birds, reptiles, echidnas and more, serving the Shire of Chittering and surrounding regions including Bindoon, Gingin, Upper Chittering, Grass Valley and Northam. Our carers collectively bring over 70 years of combined wildlife care experience.

We remain an entirely volunteer-run organisation. No member of Chittering Wildlife Carers receives any payment for their work. Every dollar raised goes directly to animal care.

Common Questions About Wildlife Care

Everything you need to know about finding, reporting, and caring for native wildlife in Western Australia.

First, ensure your own safety. If you are driving, pull over safely. Approach the animal with care as injured animals may bite or scratch. If it is safe to do so, gently place the animal in a dark, quiet, ventilated container lined with soft cloth. Do not attempt to feed the animal or give it water. Call our emergency hotline on 0498 883 643 or contact the appropriate specialist carer from our emergency contacts list. If you are outside the Chittering area, you can also contact the DBCA Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055.
We welcome new volunteers at any time. You do not need prior experience with wildlife as we provide comprehensive training. Volunteering roles include wildlife carer (requires a DBCA licence which we help you obtain), transport driver (picking up and delivering animals to carers), fundraiser, event helper, or administrative support. To express your interest, contact us via email at info@chitteringwildlifecarers.pro or attend one of our general meetings. We will match your skills and availability to the most suitable role.
We care for all native Western Australian wildlife species. Our specialist carers have expertise across macropods (kangaroos and wallabies), possums, echidnas, all bird species including black cockatoos and raptors (eagles, hawks, owls), and reptiles including snakes and lizards. We do not care for domestic animals or pets. If you find a domestic animal in distress, please contact the RSPCA WA or your local shire ranger.
All donations go directly towards the care of native wildlife. This includes emergency veterinary treatment and surgery, specialised milk formulas and food for orphaned animals, medications and medical supplies, enclosure and aviary construction and maintenance, transport costs for rescue operations, and educational materials for community outreach. As a 100% volunteer-run organisation, we have no paid staff, so every dollar donated directly benefits the animals in our care.
In Western Australia, you need a licence from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to keep or rehabilitate native wildlife. It is legal for any member of the public to rescue an injured animal and transport it to a licensed carer or veterinarian for emergency treatment. However, you must not attempt to keep, treat or rehabilitate native wildlife yourself without a licence. Our carers hold the appropriate DBCA licences and operate under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Our primary service area is the Shire of Chittering in Western Australia, located approximately 60 kilometres north of Perth. Our network of carers covers a wide area including Chittering, Upper Chittering, Bindoon, Gingin, Grass Valley, Northam and surrounding districts. If you find wildlife outside our service area, we can help direct you to the nearest registered wildlife rehabilitator. You can also contact the DBCA Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055 for statewide assistance.
Yes, in most cases you can transport an injured animal directly to one of our carers. Please call our emergency hotline on 0498 883 643 first so we can coordinate the handover and ensure the right specialist carer is available to receive the animal. Our carers operate from their private properties, so it is essential to call ahead rather than arrive unannounced. We can also arrange for a volunteer to collect the animal from your location if transport is difficult.
Yes. Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc. is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Our ABN is 32 783 498 202. We are classified as a charity advancing the natural environment. As a registered charity, we operate with full transparency and submit annual reports to the ACNC. Our registration can be verified on the ACNC Charity Register at acnc.gov.au.

Every Animal Deserves a Second Chance

Your support helps us rescue, rehabilitate and release hundreds of native animals every year. Join our community of dedicated wildlife carers and supporters today.