Darling Range Wildlife Shelter (Incorporated) [DRWS] is a totally volunteer and not-for-profit organisation.
DRWS provides assistance to Australian native wildlife in need, including joeys and juvenile kangaroos with numerous birds, possums, bandicoots and shingleback lizards also being nursed. Our objective is to work towards their release back into their natural environment. Volunteers work hard establishing and confirming safe and suitable release sites for all our wildlife. Each year we record hundreds of admissions.
The day-to-day running of the Shelter is supported by over 100 volunteers who participate in a variety of roles, and including working one or more of the twice daily shifts. Volunteers are available from 8.30am until about 12noon and from 2.30pm until about 5.00pm each day.
Keeping in mind the increasing pressure placed on wildlife and their habitat, DRWS is a member of the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA).
We are actively involved in local wildlife and habitat management issues, and support opportunities for community education by presenting at the Perth Royal Show, various schools and community groups.
The Shelter is represented on the Wildlife Rehabilitators Consultation Group (WRCG) which advises the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) on wildlife issues. The members of the WRCG are responsible for the development of the Western Australian Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation which was recently endorsed and put into practice by DEC.
The Shelter could not function without the valuable support offered by the community, which includes financial donations in addition to the provision of valuable goods and services. DRWS is listed on the Register of Environmental Organisations, whereby financial donations are receipted and able to be claimed as a tax deduction by donors.
Our primary objectives are:
- to rescue, treat and care for injured, sick, orphaned and displaced wildlife;
- to provide facilities appropriate for the rehabilitation of wildlife with the goal of successfully returning wildlife to their natural environment;
- to advocate on behalf of wildlife to - secure quality treatment and care; safe release sites; and appropriate management of environments - and ensure their longer term survival and success;
- to engender public support and education for wildlife and the preservation of their environment.