This World Wildlife Day, Queensland Police Service (QPS) is joining paws with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors to remind motorists that every decision made behind the wheel plays a critical role in protecting some of the state’s most vulnerable road users.
In partnership with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors, QPS is reminding road users that little feet can move fast, and whether it is a joey hopping after mum or a child running ahead on the footpath, the smallest road users deserve drivers’ attention.
“Children and wildlife can be unpredictable – they can move suddenly and enter roadways without warning,” said Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler.
“Drivers must remain alert and anticipate the unexpected, especially in and around school zones, footpaths, parks and rural areas,” he said.
Vehicle strikes remain a major cause of injury to native animals, while low speed urban environments continue to present risks for young pedestrians.
“Something as simple as reducing your speed, scanning verges and footpaths, and eliminating distractions can prevent devastating outcomes,” Chief Supt Wheeler said.
Marking World Wildlife Day, QPS and Australia Zoo are highlighting the shared responsibility of protecting wildlife and young, vulnerable road users.
Wildlife conservationist, Bindi Irwin said the collaboration reinforces the intrinsic link between road safety and conservation.
“Every year, we see an influx of patients who sustain life-threatening injuries from vehicle strikes, requiring urgent treatment and around-the-clock care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital,” she said.
“We are incredibly grateful for our state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility, which gives native wildlife injured on the road a second chance at survival.
“Queensland is home to an array of stunning native wildlife, and the shared responsibility of protecting our precious animals through safe road behaviours is critical.”
September through to February is when most Queenslanders are out enjoying all that this great state has to offer; however, it is also a time when most wildlife is on the move.
This period is known as trauma season at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, when animals that should be breeding, out exploring, finding food and water sources, and enjoying the sunshine are subjected to a higher number of road strikes.
It’s also the time of year when the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital is at its busiest, the last season recording almost 2,000 more patients than the previous season.
