Possumwood Wildlife Recovery and Research Incorporated

Possumwood Wildlife Recovery and Research Incorporated (ABN: 43991414838RR0001) is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to the rescue, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and research of native wildlife. It operates a self-funded wildlife recovery centre and veterinary hospital that provides 24/7 emergency triage and surgical care for severely injured and traumatised native animals, primarily in southeast New South Wales[1][2][3].

Mission and Activities

The organisation's mission focuses on fostering trust and confidence in the recovery abilities of injured and sick wildlife, delivering specialist veterinary care in a safe environment, and ultimately returning animals to their natural habitat with ongoing monitoring of their success in the wild. Possumwood maintains an active research program in wildlife rehabilitation, animal behaviour, and welfare ethics. The findings are published and presented at national forums to advance the knowledge base in these fields[1][5].

Possumwood also emphasizes education, providing fact sheets and practical advice to wildlife carers, including first aid for injured animals and guidance on recovery. The centre runs specialised courses such as the Advanced Macropod Course, which covers rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques for macropods and other native species[1].

Emergency Response and Bushfire Plan

Reflecting its experience with major fire events, including the Carwoola fire of 2017 and the Black Summer bushfires, Possumwood has developed an Emergency Bushfire Plan. This plan guides wildlife rescue and care efforts during such crises, addressing trauma and post-traumatic stress rehabilitation using approaches informed by the Polyvagal Theory[1].

Community Engagement and Support

As a self-funded organisation, Possumwood encourages community involvement through donations, purchasing supplies needed for animal care, merchandise sales, and volunteer participation. Their efforts rely heavily on such support to sustain their veterinary hospital and recovery centre operations[1].

Summary

Possumwood Wildlife Recovery and Research Incorporated plays a critical role in the rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, research, and education related to native Australian wildlife. Its integrated approach combines hands-on care with scientific research and community engagement to improve outcomes for injured and traumatised animals, contributing valuable expertise and knowledge to wildlife welfare and conservation in Australia[1][2][3][5].

[1] https://www.possumwood.com.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b396cbc9-b301-ea11-a811-000d3ad1f9f4 [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b396cbc9-b301-ea11-a811-000d3ad1f9f4/documents/5fe04bba-d153-eb11-bb23-000d3ad1f9f4 [4] https://www.possumwoodacres.org [5] https://www.possumwood.com.au/our-mission