Shelter Spotlight February 2025
Our Haven Wildlife Shelter Inc.
Name of Operator: Theresa Matthews
Years of operation: 14 years
Suburb/area covered: We are located in Stradbroke but service 29 towns in the area including postcodes 3850 and 3851.
Species you care for: Mostly Macropods but do all animals.
Contact: Theresa 0400 079 337
How does Our Haven Shelter support wildlife and their habitat?
Our Haven Wildlife Shelter is operated by Theresa and her partner Tony Matthews. The shelter primarily focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of macropods but also extends its care to birds, possums, and other small marsupials. No rescue is considered too big or small for the team.
We are supported by a small team of regular and dedicated volunteers who attend on different days throughout the week. They assist with maintaining animal welfare and handling the maintenance responsibilities required to keep the shelter running smoothly.
Currently the shelter is very busy with we 42 animals in care. 4 wallabies, 38 eastern grey Kangaroos, 1 possum and 1 cockatoo, 1 galah and 2 lorikeets.
For members of the public calling in a rescue case, we recommend marking the site with a shopping bag or another visible item to indicate where the animal in distress was last seen. This marker will be removed upon arrival. Additionally, it is helpful to provide a pin drop on a map and as much detail as possible to assist the team in responding effectively and promptly.
What advice would you give the public?
Provide a Safe Habitat
Plant Native Vegetation: Create wildlife-friendly gardens using native plants to provide food and shelter for local species.
Install Nesting Boxes: For birds, possums, and bats, install appropriately designed nesting boxes to compensate for habitat loss.
Be Wildlife-Aware on the Roads
Drive Slowly in Wildlife Zones: Many native animals are nocturnal and active at dawn and dusk. Slow down, especially near bushland or wildlife crossings.
Report Injured Animals: If you encounter injured wildlife, contact a local wildlife rescue group or vet immediately.
By taking these steps, members of the public can play a crucial role in ensuring the survival and well-being of Australia’s incredible native wildlife. Every small action counts, and together, we can make a difference.
There are many ways to help our wildlife and we get lots of calls a week with concerned Members of Public wanting to help. You can do this by reporting injured and orphaned wildlife or donating funds so that we can provide ongoing support to wildlife shelters.