Wildlife Victoria launches campaign to protect the next generation of native wildlife

Australia is home to some of the most unique and diverse wildlife in the world, but sadly it’s also a global leader in species extinction. That’s why Wildlife Victoria is calling on the public to support its Keep Tomorrow Wild campaign, helping to ensure that future generations can live alongside our precious native animals.

“Over 85% of Australia’s mammals, reptiles, and frogs are found nowhere else on Earth,” said Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma. “Yet many of these species are under threat due to habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change and vehicle collisions. We urgently need to protect them before it’s too late. Every precious life counts.”

In 2024 alone, Wildlife Victoria responded to over 97,000 native animals in distress across 455 different species, providing lifesaving emergency assistance through its statewide network of volunteer rescuers. Among these were over 1,200 vulnerable or threatened animals, including squirrel gliders, gang-gang cockatoos, and eastern-barred bandicoots.

Our native animals are so special. They are central to the Australian identity and play a vital role in our ecosystem.

As the seasons shift and the weather begins to cool, we’re inviting you to pause and reflect on what the future holds for wildlife here in Victoria. In the face of a changing climate and uncertainty, what kind of future do you want to see for our wildlife?

“Our Emergency Response Service and Travelling Veterinary Service are lifelines for our wildlife,” Ms Palma added. “From orphaned kangaroo joeys whose mothers were hit by cars, to injured gliders and displaced phascogales, every rescue we make is an investment in the future of Victoria’s native species.”

With more than 10,000 kangaroo road strikes reported each year and over 1,100 orphaned joeys received in 2024 alone, road trauma remains a significant and growing threat.

The Keep Tomorrow Wild campaign seeks donations to keep these vital services running and expand efforts to train volunteer rescuers and protect habitats.

“We want the next generation to enjoy living beside our unique native animals,” said Ms Palma. “Together, we can Keep Tomorrow Wild.”

To donate or learn more, visit: wildlifevictoria.org.au/donate

About Wildlife Victoria

- Wildlife Victoria is a not-for-profit charity wildlife Emergency Response Service that has been operating for 36 years as an independent organisation focussed on the welfare of Australia’s unique wildlife.
- In 2024, Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service received more than 160,000 requests for assistance and supported approximately 97,000 sick, injured or orphaned native animals. You can find more key statistics here.
- Wildlife Victoria educates the community about wildlife, and helps the community manage wildlife incidents.
- Wildlife Victoria advocates for wildlife whenever their welfare is under threat or compromised.
- Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Members of the public who encounter sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife anywhere across the state of Victoria can call for assistance on 03 8400 7300.

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