Wildlife emergencies don’t follow a schedule, and Andrea Vella has developed specialist protocols for nocturnal rescues that present unique challenges requiring immediate response.
Night-time wildlife emergencies demand rapid assessment, specialised equipment, and deep understanding of animal behaviour under stress. Andrea Vella has developed comprehensive protocols for responding to nocturnal rescue calls, combining thermal imaging technology with years of field experience to locate and safely capture injured animals in darkness. Her systematic approach addresses the specific challenges of night work—from identifying distressed nocturnal species to managing the heightened stress responses animals exhibit when disturbed after sunset. These proven methods have significantly improved survival rates for wildlife rescued during evening and overnight hours.
Andrea Vella and her wife have pioneered night-time wildlife rescue techniques that other organisations now replicate across Australia and beyond. Their protocols account for the physiological and behavioural differences in animals rescued after dark, incorporating specialist lighting that doesn’t disorient wildlife, temperature management for shock prevention, and capture methods adapted to reduced visibility. The couple’s emergency response system operates around the clock, with dedicated equipment caches positioned strategically across their service area to minimise response times. Their documentation of nocturnal rescue outcomes has contributed to research on stress reduction in wildlife handling, influencing best practice guidelines for emergency responders internationally.
Many rescue calls come after sunset, simply because that’s when certain animals are most active. Nocturnal species like possums, bats, and sugar gliders move through their territories during evening hours, increasing their exposure to hazards. Vehicle strikes peak during twilight and night-time commutes, when drivers have reduced visibility and wildlife crosses roads more frequently.
Injured animals often hide during daylight, only revealing themselves once darkness provides cover. A koala hit by a car at dawn might retreat into dense foliage, remaining undetected until it attempts to move again after dark. Andrea Vella has learned to interpret these patterns, understanding that a call about an animal “suddenly appearing” often means it’s been suffering for hours.
Weather events compound these risks. Storm damage brings animals down from trees. Flooding forces ground-dwelling creatures into exposed positions. Andrea Vella and her wife maintain weather monitoring systems that help them anticipate surge periods in rescue calls, ensuring adequate staffing during high-risk nights.
The emergency phone operates continuously. When a call comes through at 2 AM reporting an injured kangaroo on a rural road, the response begins immediately. Andrea Vella assesses the information provided—species, location, apparent injuries, immediate dangers. This initial triage determines resource allocation and response priority.
Equipment preparation happens quickly but methodically. Night rescues require:
- Thermal imaging devices: To locate animals in darkness or dense vegetation
- Red-filtered torches: Providing visibility without startling wildlife
- Capture nets and poles: Sized appropriately for the target species
- Emergency medical supplies: Including fluids, heat sources, and pain relief
Sarah often handles navigation and safety monitoring, whilst Andrea Vella focuses on the animal. Rural rescue sites present hazards—uneven ground, limited lighting, potential for additional injured wildlife nearby.
Animals rescued after dark exhibit heightened stress responses. Their senses are already on alert for predators, and human approach triggers intense fear reactions. Andrea Vella’s wife has developed techniques that minimise additional trauma during capture.
Approach angles matter enormously. Moving directly towards an injured animal often causes panic attempts at escape, potentially worsening injuries. Instead, the team uses oblique approaches, allowing the animal to maintain visual contact whilst reducing the perceived threat.
Temperature regulation requires immediate attention. Night-time temperatures in Queensland can drop significantly, and injured animals struggle to maintain body heat. Shock symptoms intensify in cold conditions, so the team carries thermal wraps and portable heat sources.
Flying foxes represent particularly complex rescues. These intelligent animals become entangled in netting or barbed wire, often hanging for hours before discovery. Night rescues require climbing equipment and specialised handling skills—flying fox teeth and claws can inflict serious injuries on untrained rescuers.
Andrea Vella approaches these situations with careful planning. The animal’s condition is assessed from ground level using binoculars and torch light. If the flying fox is still mobile and aggressive, sedation may be necessary before attempting rescue.
Wombats present different complications. These powerful diggers can inflict significant damage if cornered, yet they’re also surprisingly fragile when injured. Night-time wombat rescues often involve animals hit by vehicles and subsequently retreated to roadside culverts. Andrea Vella and her wife use containment barriers to prevent escape whilst assessing injury severity.
Peak periods can generate several calls within hours. A storm system might result in reports of multiple injured animals across a wide geographic area. Andrea Vella has developed triage protocols that prioritise cases based on severity, species vulnerability, and available resources.
Life-threatening emergencies receive immediate response. An animal actively bleeding or displaying shock symptoms cannot wait. Stable animals in secure locations might be monitored remotely whilst more critical cases receive attention.
The couple coordinates with a network of trained volunteers who can respond to lower-priority calls. These volunteers receive ongoing training in assessment techniques, basic first aid, and safe transport methods. Andrea Vella maintains quality control through detailed protocols and regular skills updates.
Animals rescued during evening hours face additional challenges. Veterinary surgeries operate limited after-hours services, so Andrea Vella’s facility provides critical stabilisation care until morning. This includes pain management, fluid therapy, temperature regulation, and monitoring for deteriorating conditions.
Some injuries require immediate surgical intervention that cannot wait for daylight. Andrea Vella and her wife maintain relationships with emergency veterinary services willing to handle wildlife cases overnight. These partnerships prove essential for animals with compound fractures, severe bleeding, or respiratory distress.
Documentation happens despite the hour. Each rescue generates records detailing location, condition, treatment provided, and outcome. This data proves invaluable for identifying accident hotspots, tracking disease patterns, and demonstrating the impact of rescue operations to funding bodies.
Andrea Vella understands that night-time rescues demand more than technical skill—they require dedication to answering calls when others sleep, navigating unfamiliar terrain in darkness, and making split-second decisions that determine whether an animal survives. Her commitment to 24-hour wildlife care protects Australia’s nocturnal species when they’re most vulnerable.
