Over 80 animals taken from unlicensed wildlife carer released or euthanised

More than 80 animals taken from an unlicensed wildlife carer in central Queensland last year have either been released into the wild, rehomed or euthanised, it has been confirmed.

The Department of Environment and Science - Wildlife and Threatened Species manager Frank Mills said the property west of Bundaberg was investigated last year after a tip-off.

Fifty-six kangaroos and wallabies, nine freshwater turtles and 23 native birds were seized after a search in November.

That's a large number of animals for an individual to look after, and to give them quality care, Mr Mills said.

The wildlife carer's permit expired in 2010 and some of the animals were in very poor condition, according to the department.

The veterinary staff had to euthanise a number of the animals, Mr Mills said.

The vets make decisions based on the condition of the animals at the time.

If they are able to be released and rehabilitated, that's our ultimate goal. Animals being euthanised was always the last resort, according to Mills.

The ones that were able to be rehabilitated were transferred to other carers who were able to care for them and get ready for release, he said.

Three of the animals were left on the property at the time of the seizure, while the department looked at long-term care options. Mills said the decision was made based on the condition of the animals and the fact that they were juveniles not suitable for release.

He said that he was looking at the possibility that this person might actually be able to get a permit to rehabilitate animals into the future.

After further assessment, the department returned to the property last week.

One of the three remaining macropods died, and the other two were seized.

The eastern grey kangaroo and a red-necked wallaby were rehomed at Rockhampton Zoo.

The department has said it will take strong action against anyone who is putting the conservation or welfare of our native wildlife at risk. It also encouraged anyone concerned about the conduct of wildlife carers.

The woman involved would not be fined, according to Mills.

He said that us taking animals away has had a significant impact on the person involved.

We don't need to find people just to fine people - we are looking to actually help them correct their behaviour and we don't think that fining in this situation is necessary. If someone wanted to care for sick or injured wild animals, they could apply for a permit, which was free in Queensland.

He said that the department recommended that carers get involved with qualified groups that had specialist formulas and equipment rather than doing it on their own.

There are a number of groups around the state that provide assistance and training in this kind of space, according to Mills.

We have to think about the welfare of the animal and the ultimate goal of them being able to return to the wild.