Shelter Spotlight May 2026
Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue
Name of Operator: Kylee Donkers
Years of operation: 15 years
Suburb/area covered: North central victoria and southern central NSW
Species you care for: We care for all species of wildlife.
Contact: 0417 560 910 - 24/7 Wildlife Hotline
Email: dutchthunderwildlife@gmail.com
How does Dutch Thunder support wildlife and their habitat?
Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue is a dedicated wildlife rescue and rehabilitation shelter focused on providing care for injured, orphaned and displaced native animals. The shelter works closely with local communities, veterinarians and conservation groups to ensure animals receive immediate medical attention and a safe environment to recover.
Our mission goes beyond treatment - it aims to return animals to their natural habitats and helps maintain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
Our shelter also plays an important educational role, raising awareness about wildlife conservation and the impact of human activity on native species. Through our education programs, volunteer opportunities and community engagement, Dutch Thunder Wildlife encourages people to coexist responsibly with wildlife. By combining hands-on care with advocacy and education, we contribute meaningfully to long-term conservation efforts while giving individual animals a second chance at life.
How our project funding supported Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter
A huge thank you to Warriors 4 Wildlife. Thanks to their support and another donation we received we have been able to purchase a thermal imaging monocular, which was highly recommended to us by another wildlife shelter, thanks Shelley.
This amazing technology can detect heat signatures and changes in temperature allowing us to locate sick, injured and distressed animals much more quickly, especially during nighttime rescues.
In the past, searching thick bushland, tree tops, roadside vegetation and long grass could take hours of painstaking work.
With this thermal imaging equipment, we will be able to identify animals far more efficiently, making rescues quicker, easier and safer for both our rescuers and the animals we are trying to help.
This equipment will have a significant impact on the work we do and will help us give wildlife the best possible chance of receiving the care they need in the quickest time.
Thank you to Warriors 4 Wildlife and all of their amazing volunteers for supporting wildlife carers and shelters like ours. Your dedication and generosity are helping save countless native animals every day and we are incredibly grateful.
What advice would you give the public?
Our slogan is…. STOP, CHECK, CALL, RESPECT
Learn more about Wildlife Shelters in Victoria and see our previous spotlights.
Lend a paw by purchasing a Wombaroo Gift Voucher for Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue.
For many wildlife rehabilitators, having access to life-saving food or equipment is often a necessity they struggle to afford. These dedicated individuals devote their lives to assisting wildlife, typically funding their efforts themselves and covering costs for baby formula, medicine, and supplies from their own pockets. Unfortunately, they receive little to no government support for their crucial work. By providing these vouchers, you empower rehabilitators to continue their invaluable work, offering second chances to animals in need.
Use the email address at checkout: dutchthunderwildlife@gmail.com
Thank you for your generosity. Let's continue to make a positive impact, one life at a time. 
*Each voucher is email directly to the recipient to be used on anything in the store. Vouchers do not expire.