Community
4 February, 2026
Animal shelter seeks support
A WILDLIFE shelter is desperate for help after the devastating impacts of the Carlisle River bushfires, with volunteers reaching out to the public for much-needed rebuilding support.
The Carlisle River Wildlife Shelter was not immune to the raging bushfires which have swept through the region this month, which has left volunteers and staff reeling as they return to see the extent of damage done.
Carlisle River Wildlife Shelter volunteer Carola Anstis said coming back once it was safe to return and seeing the damage caused by the fires was heartbreaking.
“The fires have destroyed the shelter except the house, one aviary and the rehabilitation rooms close to the house,” she said.
“Except for a few native birds and one local koala that I have seen around the house, I suspect most of the wildlife on our property has been killed.
“I have not been able to inspect all of the property yet.
“We need to rebuild at least four aviaries, and wallaby and kangaroo pens.”
Mrs Anstis said it had been tough to come to terms with their current situation.
“At present we have no power and only one aviary, so we are limited in how many animals we can house, but we are able to transport injured animals to vets and other carers and shelters,” she said.
“Once we have power we will be able to take on some of the juvenile native animals such as kangaroo and possum joeys.
“There is such a feeling of loss, an ache in the heart that doesn’t go away, for all the wildlife which has been injured, has suffered and died on and around our property and the Otways.
“The questioning of oneself over whether I should go on caring for wildlife again, and knowing full well that I will because that is just who I am, it’s a part of what I do.”
The shelter is reaching out to the community for support during this difficult time.
“The community can support us through donations, helping with bulldozing, fencing and supplying materials for pens and aviaries,” Mrs Anstis said.
“They can also support us in the long run by becoming rescuers.
“We desperately need wildlife rescuers in the Timboon, Princetown and Peterborough areas.
“They can do this by registering with Wildlife Victoria.”
Anyone looking to support the shelter can reach out via mobile at 0434 514 642 or via email at carlislewildlifeshelt@yahoo.com.au.
