Tag: feeding wildlife

We have a beautiful natural environment, home to our unique and inspiring wildlife, which we care for and protect. Local wildlife needs our help and faces many threats – this includes when people purposefully feed wildlife, which can result in animals becoming overconfident, contribute to a decline in their health and wellbeing, and even promote aggressive behaviour. We encourage you to learn how to look after wildlife, help sick or injured animals, and know who to contact for assistance. 

Providing food and water for wildlife is often done with the best intentions. However, whether you’re concerned for their welfare or simply trying to get closer to an animal, offering food and water can put these animals at risk. 

Why we should let nature cater for our wildlife 

Some of the issues caused by feeding wildlife include: 

• Dependency on humans for survival as they rely on food provided and lose the ability to find food for themselves. This can particularly impact juveniles who should be learning to find their natural food.  
• Sickness and deformities due to high quantities of salt present in bread and processed foods.  
• Weight issues due to high quantities of fat present in processed food and meat.  
• Dietary imbalances and severe deficiencies can be brought on by feeding (e.g. raw meat is lacking in calcium and has high phosphorous levels). 
• Increase in aggression and stress as many animals try to feed or drink together. 
• Spreading disease through a concentration of food and animals in large numbers in one place.  
• Bacteria from artificial water sources that become stagnant can be deadly to animals and spread sickness easily. Did you know that kangaroos around Yellagonga Regional Park absorb most of their water needs through food? Luckily, there’s a permanent natural water source in the park if they need it, so there is no need to supplement with buckets of water.  
• Increase in the quantity of non-native animals, rodents and insects, as the more food they get, the more they breed. 
• Changing the balance of species in the wild as it can increase some species, which, in turn, decreases others. 

Nature provides everything they need to survive and thrive, so please refrain from feeding our wildlife food and water. Feeding of native animals is illegal and can also incur large fines. 

Wetland waterbirds foraging for food in the shallow mudflats in Yellagonga Regional Park.

Wildlife conservation efforts by the City and its partners 

The City works with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and its neighbouring local governments to conserve and protect wildlife. 

Some of the environmental initiatives the City has led or supported include: 

• Implementing the Yellagonga Integrated Catchment Management Plan with the City of Wanneroo. 
• Collaborating with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the City of Wanneroo on a ‘Local Biodiversity Project’ within Yellagonga Regional Park. 
• Collaborating with Murdoch University and other partners on the Saving our Snake-necked Turtle Project and implementing the Turtle Trackers program to help protect turtle nests at Lake Joondalup. 
• Controlling feral animals in conjunction with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the City of Wanneroo. 
• Working with volunteers to conserve and protect natural areas. 
• Undertaking revegetation and habitat creation projects in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the City of Wanneroo, schools and community groups. This also includes installing conservation fencing in reserves. 
• Raising awareness and educating the community, including installing signage in reserves and implementing a range of greening and biodiversity initiatives. 

Feeding or leaving water out for Kangaroos can make them aggressive, dependent and puts them at risk.

How you can help wildlife 

We all have a role in helping protect and conserve our local biodiversity. Here are some ways that you can enjoy and appreciate the wildlife around you without interfering: 

• Volunteer your time to protect and manage our beautiful and diverse natural areas. You will be able to help enhance these areas and create new habitats for our local wildlife. Find your local Friends Group today and learn more about how to establish a new group. There are also opportunities to help sick and injured wildlife return to the wild, plant out areas to help native fauna flourish, survey birds and more. Or, if you are looking to volunteer with other wildlife care or conservation organisations, you can find an opportunity that suits you.  
• Create your own wildlife habitat at home to attract birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects that you can observe. Grow native plants that provide nectar-rich flowers, fruits and leaves that wildlife feed on, and in time, will provide them with shelter. Leave out a clean, freshly filled bird bath to help attract native birds.  
• With fewer tree hollows available in suburbia, consider building a nesting box in your backyard for local birds or animals. Different animals require different types of boxes, so it’s a good idea to investigate the animals that visit your area and the types of homes they require. Visit ReWild Perth for an action plan and more information to get started on creating a habitat for wildlife.
• Take the time to connect with and visit nature. Yellagonga Regional Park and other natural areas in the City are wonderful places to observe kangaroos and other local wildlife and bushland birds.  
• Contribute to citizen science projects and record your wildlife sightings and observations, identify species and contribute to a national scientific database on Atlas of Living Australia. 

What you can do if you see sick or injured wildlife 

Contact the Wildcare Helpline if you find sick or injured native wildlife and are seeking advice on where to find care for the animal. 

Our closest nonprofit organisation that rescues, treats and rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife is Native Animal Rescue in Malaga.