Shelter Spotlight December 2024
South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter
Name of Operator: Michele Phillips
Years of operation: 32 years
Suburb/area covered: Melbourne Metropolitan
Species you care for: Possum, magpies, lorikeets, flying foxes, tawny frogmouths, owls and all species in metro area.
For injured wildlife please contact: Michele on 0411 600 591
How does South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter support wildlife and their habitat?
SOW’s is the largest shelter in the city, dedicated to saving, caring for, and rehabilitating injured animals while also offering educational programs for schools and community organizations.
Since 1992, I have managed the shelter, assisting hundreds of animals, including possums, ducklings, lorikeets, magpies, currawongs, and bats. In recognition of my efforts with wildlife, I was honored with an OAM in 2019. My work involves rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured or orphaned animals, as well as providing educational talks to schools and community groups.
I have four dedicated foster carers who will continue the shelter's mission and care for more wildlife. As the largest shelter in the Melbourne area, I collaborate with various organizations, including the marine response unit for penguins, swans, and large seabirds. My home serves as the shelter, with wildlife present in every room.
The donation will greatly help me continue rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. I will use the funds to improve the sprinkler system for the aviaries to help them keep the temperature constant and to buy fuel to rescue and transport native wildlife in and around Melbourne.
I continue to rescue wildlife as I love them and they need it!
Please support your local shelters, and if you encounter injured wildlife, contact a wildlife organization or, if possible, take them to a nearby veterinarian.
How our project funding supported South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter
Our December Spotlight, Michele from South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter came in to collect her donation of vouchers. These will be used for petrol to rescue wildlife and to purchase fruit and vegetables for the many animals she has in care.
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 continue our programs and provide ongoing support to wildlife shelters.
What can you do to help?
What advice would you give the public?
Please support your local shelters, and if you encounter injured wildlife, contact a wildlife organization or, if possible, take them to a nearby veterinarian.
Find out more about Wildlife Shelters in Victoria.
Lend a paw by purchasing a Wombaroo Gift Voucher for South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter.
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.Gift vouchers make a significant difference for carers, whether it's purchasing a $20 Wombaroo voucher for a tiny joey or $1,000 voucher to support a mob of injured Kangaroo’s, every contribution plays a vital role in the recovery and survival of these precious creatures. 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: michelle@sows.org.auThank 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.