A lucky brushtail possum joey nicknamed Percy is now in safe hands after being found abandoned in the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens 10 days ago.

The tiny 270g joey was noticed and picked up by a member of the public who called WIRES and he went into care with local volunteer Leonie Moore.

Moore said a possum this young would normally still be clinging to his mother’s back.

“We’re not sure how Percy became separated from his mum but he would still be reliant on her for warmth and food so I’m giving him special milk formula* every few hours – and he’s thriving!”

The WIRES Riverina branch is in need of more volunteers like Moore and asking members of the local community to consider helping out in their spare time.

Caring for native wildlife requires specific training and licensing and WIRES is holding a Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) in Wagga Wagga on 3 September. The course is fully accredited through a registered training organisation and costs $175.

According to Moore, being able to rescue, rehabilitate and then release our native animals back into their natural environment is a truly rewarding experience.

“I encourage anyone who loves animals and would like to do their bit for the environment to do the course,” said Moore. “I did my initial training at Wagga Wagga and then went on to complete various species courses including a possum and glider course.”

“I’ve been with WIRES over four years now and loved every minute of it – it’s a real privilege to help ensure our native species continue to survive.”  

For more information on the upcoming WIRES RICC course please email Training@wires.org.au, visit www.WIRES.org.au 

 *WIRES carers use special milk formulas that replicate individual species’ milk. Members of the public can help with the raising of orphaned native animals by donating to the WIRES food fund at http://bit.ly/WIRESFoodFund. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

To organise an interview with WIRES volunteer Leonie Moore please call Carla Toyne on (02) 8977 3327 or 0416272153 or ema