Joey carers in demand

Pilbara Wildlife Carers is desperate for more joey carers, but has warned looking after the cute critters is not as glamorous as it may seem.

The resources downturn has led to most of the organisation’s joey carers leaving town, and with many residents in rental or company housing, it can be tough to find suitable candidates for the job.

PWC president Rose Best said people had to have the best interests of the animal in mind first and foremost.

“People see joeys as cute and cuddly, however they are wild native fauna and not domestic animals and need to be treated accordingly,” she said.

“They have a specific diet and like all young, growing mammals, need the correct food in order to grow.

“They are raised in pairs, of the same species and same size, so that they are released together having bonded to another kangaroo.

“All in all it takes about nine months, so holidays like Christmas and Easter need to be taken into consideration, also your work status.”

Mrs Best said joeys needed to be fed three to four times a day to start with, depending on how mature they were.

Necessary requirements for caring for a joey include written permission from landlords if you live in a rental property, no children under the age of eight because of noise, no large dogs, and a quiet environment. Yard space and gardens also need to be taken into consideration, as kangaroos are able to ruin well-kept gardens.

For more information, email rose@pwca.org.au or phone 0438 924 842.