01/08/2026
Honouring the animals who come into our care is an essential part of sustaining ourselves in this work. Every carer has their own way of acknowledging death, and there is no “right” way to do it. What matters is that you allow yourself a moment of truth, a moment of care, and a moment of closure.
For some, it’s the simple act of burying an animal on their property. For others, it’s sitting in the car and having a quiet cry before driving home. Some carers create small rituals, creating a memorial cross or stone or placing a joey in a wheelbarrow with some flowers and letting the mob say goodbye. These gestures aren’t strange or excessive. They’re human. They’re healing. They remind us that the lives we hold matter.
Grief is part of wildlife caring, and acknowledging it is how we maintain our longevity in this work. When an animal doesn’t survive, it doesn’t mean you failed. It means you cared deeply.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. Talk with other members in your group. Visit other carers’ pages for connection and understanding. And if you need more structured support, grief counselling through wildlife services is available and valid.
Two green threads https://twogreenthreads.org/
Black dog Wildlife carers https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/national-emergency-worker-support-service/
Wild Talk https://wildtalk.org.au/
