Code of Practice—Care of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals in Queensland

The Code of Practice—Care of sick, Injured or Orphaned Protected Animals in Queensland was prepared under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 by the department in consultation with the then Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), RSPCA Queensland, the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (QWRC) and broader wildlife carer community.

The code incorporates current best practice standards and guidelines in wildlife care and rehabilitation.

The Code helps ensure that the care and rehabilitation of native animals in Queensland results in the best possible conservation and animal welfare outcomes for individual animals and the wild populations and ecosystems they are returned to.

Separately, the rescue, rehabilitation and release of koalas in Queensland must be undertaken in accordance with the Code of Practice for Rehabilitation of Sick, Injured, or Orphaned Koalas in Queensland (PDF 394.2 KB).

Avian Influenza — be vigilant

Look, Report and Protect help reduce the risk of avian influenza in Queensland.

Do not touch sick or dead wild birds or wildlife. If you suspect bird flu in any species of animal, you must report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Reporting an injured or dead animal

If you come across sick, injured or orphaned wildlife (other than crocodiles, cassowaries or marine mammals) immediately call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

Last updated:: 9 July 2026