From the coast to the hinterland, our region is famous for its scenic drives. But each year our roads claim the lives of thousands of native animals, much to the distress of drivers, other road-users, and wildlife rescuers.
Wildlife Victoria is the state’s leading wildlife rescue organisation, providing a vital lifeline for sick, injured and orphaned native animals across Victoria since 1989. Last year alone, it took more than 189,000 calls for assistance and helped 114,636 animals statewide.
In our region, wildlife-vehicle collisions remain one of the leading threats to wildlife. Over the past four years, Wildlife Victoria has recorded a 135 per cent increase in reports of animals struck by vehicles on the Peninsula, with kangaroos among the most affected species. Last year, the organisation’s dedicated network of trained local volunteers responded to about 3000 reports of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, ensuring thousands of native animals received urgent care and support.
Peninsula resident and Wildlife Victoria volunteer Virginia Carter has been responding to wildlife emergencies alongside her partner since January 2025. They attend three to four cases each week – the majority involving a kangaroo that has been hit by a vehicle. “These incidents are traumatic for the driver and other road-users, and are often fatal for the kangaroo,” Virginia said.
In a bid to identify the causes of road strikes and reduce their number, Wildlife Victoria is partnering with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. It’s an initiative Virginia welcomes.
“Seeing injured and deceased wildlife has a huge impact on the community, and watching wildlife suffer is something that never leaves you. The Mornington Peninsula community values our wildlife, and they want to see more done to mitigate the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions.”
Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma agrees. “Every call for help we receive on the Mornington Peninsula is a clear indicator of the community’s care for native wildlife, and we commend the council for partnering with us to make a difference.”
The organisation is also calling on community support through its Don’t Let Nature Fall Silent appeal, which will help sustain critical rescue and rehabilitation services while expanding volunteer training across the state.
Meanwhile, Virginia offers these tips for Peninsula drivers:
• Adapt your driving to the conditions, especially during dusk and dawn when animals are most active. If you can, avoid driving at these times; if you must drive, reduce your speed.
• Wildlife rescues take place on roads and roadsides, so keep an eye out for rescue volunteers as you’re travelling. If you see injured or dead wildlife, report it to Wildlife Victoria.
• Many native animals carry joeys in their pouches, and even if the mother has died, its young may still be alive. If you see a dead native animal marked with bright spray paint, that means the pouch has been checked for young.
Anyone who encounters sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife can phone Wildlife Victoria’s 24/7 Emergency Response Service on 8400 7300.
