WIRES is urging Australians to care for Country during NAIDOC Week

WIRES is using NAIDOC Week to encourage people to care for Country, highlighting the link between healthy environments and the survival of Australia’s native wildlife. 

The wildlife rescue organisation said every animal rescue reflects broader environmental challenges, with habitat loss, fragmented bushland, disappearing tree hollows, degraded waterways and expanding urban development placing increasing pressure on native species.

While WIRES volunteers care for injured and orphaned wildlife, the organisation said long-term conservation depends on protecting and restoring natural habitats before animals reach the point of needing rescue.

During NAIDOC Week, WIRES is also recognising the enduring connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with Country and the important role Indigenous custodianship plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

“Caring for Country starts in our own backyard,” a WIRES spokesperson said in a social media post.

“Every rescue tells us something, not just about the individual animal, but about the environment it came from.”

The organisation said many of the pressures affecting wildlife develop gradually over months or years before an animal is eventually found injured, displaced or unwell.

“Bushland that has been fragmented, disappearing tree hollows, degraded waterways and expanding urban areas all make life more challenging for our native wildlife,” the spokesperson said.

WIRES said protecting habitat is critical to ensuring native species can continue to thrive across Australia.

“During NAIDOC Week, we celebrate the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country and recognise the ongoing care and custodianship of these lands,” the spokesperson said.

The organisation said its rescue work is only one part of supporting Australia’s wildlife.

“While our team responds to wildlife in crisis, we also know the future of our native species depends on protecting and restoring Country, the places they call home.”

The post concluded with a simple message linking environmental health to wildlife conservation.

“Healthy Country equals healthy wildlife.”