Emergency Care

Note that penguins are a protected species and must only be cared for by a trained and registered carer under permit from Wildlife Management, DPIPWE.

​Found a sick or injured seabird and need to know what to do right now? See our emergency steps​ below.

​If you have found a penguin (or any other wildlife) injured or in distress, please contact one of the numbers below as soon as possible:
0417 224 462
Wildlife Management Branch, DPIPWE
(8am-8pm, 7 days/week)​
0447 264 625
Bonorong Rescue Service
(24-hour hotline)​
​If you've found multiple dead seabirds (including penguins) leave them where they are, take a photo if possible, and phone:
0427 942 537
Marine Conservation
(24 hours, 7 days a week)​
0488 184 847
Parks and Wildlife Service
(24 hours, 7 days a week)​
By leaving dead birds where they are and not disturbing the site, you will be assisting staff to investigate mass mortalities.

Emergency Steps For The Public

  1. Only try to help if it is safe for you to do so.
  2. If you are unsure what to do, ring an expert.
  3. Avoid chasing the bird.
  4. Limit handling to what is strictly necessary.
  5. Use a towel or large cotton cloth to cover the bird entirely. If the bird can't see you, it won't bite you.
          -  Keep the head covered at all times.
          -  Keep the head held away from you.
  6. Do not hold the beak closed. If you do, the bird will not be able to breathe.
  7. Scoop the bird up and place it in a cardboard box.
          -  Make sure the box is a suitable size for the bird. The bird should be able to sit comfortably, turn around, and stretch out its neck.
          -  Air flow around the bird is very important. Seabirds are very prone to overheating.
          -  Place 2 or 3 towels in the bottom of the box.
          -   Ensure there is ventilation in the top of the box, NOT the sides.
  8. Remove the covering from the bird, starting at the tail end and finishing with uncovering the head. Step away quickly so that the bird cannot bite you.
  9. Do not offer the bird anything to eat or drink.
  10. Keep the bird in a QUIET, DARK place.
  11. Ring the hotlines above for help.
You can download the emergency steps here.