By Mitchell Clarke
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has confirmed it’s investigating the Bayles Wildlife Shelter.
Shelter owner Andrena Francey “urgently” sought donations in early January as she prepared to welcome burnt wildlife from fire zones as far away as Kangaroo Island.
According to South Australian authorities, Ms Francey won’t be receiving any bushfire affected koalas from interstate.
“I can confirm that no official or legal movement of koalas, to anywhere apart from Cleland Wildlife Park (within the department and by department staff), has occurred from Kangaroo Island,” an Environment and Water Department spokesperson said.
Wildlife shelter operators and foster carers are authorised by the Conservation Regulator to rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife under the Wildlife Act.
“The Conservation Regulator can confirm we are investigating,” a DELWP spokesperson said.
“Under the Wildlife Act, the Conservation Regulator carries out monitoring compliance of authorised wildlife shelter operators and foster carers, and investigates reports into shelters operating unlawfully, and individuals and organisations that are in possession of wildlife without appropriate authorisation.
“People in possession of wildlife without an appropriate authorisation may be committing an offence under the Wildlife Act which carries significant penalties.”
DELWP said it was “inappropriate” to discuss specific matters regarding the investigation and wouldn’t confirm if the shelter was registered with them.
Ms Francey conceded the shelter would not be taking any koalas injured in the SA bushfires, when contacted by the Gazette in mid-March.
“No, we won’t be getting koalas from South Australia. I have no comment,” she said.
“I have a very reputable wildlife shelter and have for many, many years.”
