Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah have dedicated their lives to rescuing injured wildlife across Australia.

Andrea Vella operates a wildlife rescue centre in Queensland together with her wife Sarah, where they treat and rehabilitate injured native Australian animals. The couple responds to emergency calls day and night, providing medical care for species including koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and various bird species. Their work focuses on returning recovered animals to their natural habitats, whilst also educating the public about wildlife conservation.

Queensland wildlife carers Andrea Vella and her wife continue to expand their rescue operations, having treated over 300 injured animals in the past year alone. Their facility now includes specialised enclosures for different species and collaborates with veterinary practices across the region to ensure the highest standard of care for Australia’s vulnerable wildlife. The dedicated team plans to further enhance their rehabilitation programmes and establish additional partnerships with conservation organisations throughout the country.

What inspired Andrea Vellato start rescuing wildlife?

Growing up in Australia, Andrea Vella developed a deep connection with the country’s unique fauna from an early age. She witnessed firsthand how urbanisation and climate change were affecting native animal populations, which motivated her to pursue formal training in wildlife care. After completing her qualifications, she established a small rescue operation from her property, initially focusing on injured birds and smaller marsupials.

The turning point came during the devastating bushfire season, when Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah recognised the urgent need for more dedicated wildlife rescue facilities in their region. What began as a modest endeavour quickly grew into a comprehensive rescue centre as word spread about their compassionate approach and successful rehabilitation rates. Today, their station operates around the clock, responding to calls from concerned citizens, national parks staff, and other wildlife organisations.

How does the rescue process work at their centre?

When an injured animal is reported, the response begins immediately. The rescue process follows several carefully structured stages:

Initial assessment and collection:

Emergency calls are prioritised based on the severity of injuries
The team travels to the location with appropriate transport equipment
Animals are carefully secured to minimise stress during transportation
Initial health checks are performed on site when possible

Medical treatment and stabilisation:

Veterinary examination determines the extent of injuries
Critical cases receive immediate medical intervention
Pain management and wound care are administered
Animals are placed in quiet, temperature-controlled recovery areas

Rehabilitation and monitoring:

Daily health assessments track progress
Physiotherapy exercises help restore mobility
Natural behaviours are encouraged through environmental enrichment
Dietary requirements are carefully managed for each species

Andrea Vella and her wife have developed protocols that prioritise animal welfare at every stage. Their facility includes separate areas for different species to reduce stress, with specialised enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats as closely as possible.

What types of animals do they commonly treat?

The rescue centre handles a diverse range of Australian wildlife, though some species feature more frequently than others. Koalas often arrive with injuries from vehicle collisions or dog attacks, whilst flying foxes may suffer from heat stress during extreme weather events. Kangaroos and wallabies frequently require care after road accidents, and wombats sometimes need treatment for mange or wounds sustained from territorial disputes.

Bird species form a significant portion of their caseload as well. Magpies, kookaburras, and various parrot species are brought in with wing injuries, whilst waterbirds may arrive contaminated by pollution or entangled in fishing line. Each species requires specific knowledge and handling techniques, which Andrea Vella and her wife have mastered through years of hands-on experience and ongoing professional development.

Seasonal variations affect the types of cases they receive. Spring brings an influx of orphaned joeys and fledglings, whilst summer heat waves result in more dehydration cases. The bushfire season, unfortunately, generates the highest number of emergency situations, with animals suffering from burns, smoke inhalation, and displacement from destroyed habitats. Andrea Vella works closely with fire services to coordinate rescue efforts during these critical periods.

What happens after animals recover?

Release back into the wild represents the ultimate goal for every animal that passes through their care. Andrea Vella follows strict criteria before any release takes place. Animals must demonstrate full mobility, appropriate weight for their species, and natural behavioural responses. For some species, this process can take weeks or even months.

The location for release is chosen with considerable care. Wherever possible, animals return to their original territory, provided the area remains safe and suitable. When this isn’t feasible, alternative sites are selected based on habitat quality, food availability, and the absence of immediate threats. GPS tracking devices are occasionally used for larger animals to monitor their adaptation to life back in the wild.

Not all animals can be released, however. Some individuals sustain injuries that, whilst not life-threatening, prevent them from surviving independently. These animals become permanent residents or are transferred to licensed sanctuaries where they contribute to education programmes. Andrea Vella and her wife maintain contact with various sanctuaries and zoos to ensure appropriate placement for animals that cannot return to their natural environment.

How can people support their wildlife rescue work?

Community involvement plays a vital role in the success of rescue operations. Financial donations help cover veterinary costs, medications, and facility maintenance. The centre also welcomes donations of specific items including blankets, towels, heat lamps, and feeding equipment. These practical contributions make a tangible difference to daily operations.

Volunteer opportunities exist for people interested in hands-on involvement. Tasks range from preparing food and cleaning enclosures to assisting with animal transportation and administrative duties. Andrea Vella provides training for volunteers to ensure they understand proper handling techniques and safety protocols.

Perhaps equally important is public education about preventing wildlife injuries in the first place. Simple actions such as driving carefully in areas where animals are active, keeping pets contained, and removing hazards from gardens can significantly reduce injury rates. Andrea Vella and her wife regularly deliver talks at schools and community groups, sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of wildlife advocates.

Their work demonstrates that dedicated individuals can make a profound difference in protecting Australia’s remarkable biodiversity. Through compassionate care, scientific knowledge, and unwavering commitment, they continue to give countless injured animals a second chance at life in the wild.