When finding a native animal we often feel responsible for the welfare
of that animal, first instinct tells us that we should make sure it
is properly looked after and cared for. Who
better
than the finder.
It
would be lovely for the children to interact and learn about native
animals by having one. Yes
I can understand the thought behind this, but for the animal it would
be disastrous.
Native
animals have special needs, they do not take to humans readily, they
do not tolerate the same foods as domestic animals, in fact many foods
fed to domestic pets, will kill a native animal.
Pouch animals are lactose intolerant, they need special formula if
young, they can not survive without it long term
Many
sad cases are brought in to care after the finder have tried to rear
a native animal only to find that it is deteriorating, it is distressing
to all concerned specially the person that has tried in vain and most
of all to the animal.
Many
factors need to be taken in to consideration before making the decision
to care for these animals, the most important factor should be WHAT
IS BEST FOR THE ANIMAL LONG TERM.
All
native animals must be released, it is against the law for good reason
to keep these animals as pets, that is why care organisation's go
to such lengths to train carers not only in what and how to feed these
animals but also to make sure that they are capable of surviving in
the wild after release. What is the point in rearing an animal if
it has no chance of recognising what to eat, have no social skills
as to how to interact with its own kind, being dependant on human
company, and running or flying up to the first dog or cat it sees
as a friend.We hear of many different cases where people have kept
native animals, in most cases I am sure it is done out of love and
concern, not realising the ramifications this may have later. There
are too many for me to list here from weak bones, beaks not developed,
feathers not growing, fur growth not thick enough to keep the animal
warm to name just a few.
All
native animals should be reared with more of its own kind, they should
not be imprinted learning to live with humans, as the survival long
term would most certainly be doubtful , they should be fed natural
foods that are recognisable in the wild, as they need to know what
to eat once released.
For birds, possums or any kind of Australia wildlife, animals from
the wild belong in the wild, they have not had centuries of domestic
breeding as dogs cats and birds bred in captivity, their instinct
tells them they are wild, even though if reared wrong they may not
be able to cope in the wild.
If
you want to do the RIGHT THING by the animal, please contact your
nearest wildlife organisation or National Parks office for help, make
sure the animal is brought in to care as soon as possible, and you
will have done the only right thing by that animal you feel responsible
for as the finder.
