Turn your brainpower into lifesaving wildlife care

A figbird chick rescued after falling from its nest, a spectacled flying fox healing after being caught in netting. These are everyday moments at the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre (TARC) in Port Douglas, where hundreds of native animals get a second chance each year.

For those unfamiliar, TARC is a not-for-profit at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas that cares for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife, aiming to return them to the wild.

But this work relies entirely on donations, which is why the team at Wildlife Habitat is calling on locals to put their trivia skills to the test for a good cause.

On Wednesday 16 July, the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre (TARC) is teaming up with K-Star Trivia to host a fundraising night at the Central Hotel. 

The goal: raise $5,000 for an animal humidicrib (a heated, humid shelter for sick or orphaned wildlife) and garden beds to grow native food.

Operating solely on donations, the centre cared for more than 400 animals last year with the help of 81 volunteers who contributed over 14,000 hours of work.

Some of the most common patients include the Australasian Fig Bird, Little Friarbird, and Spectacled Flying Fox, many brought in due to vehicle collisions, domestic animal attacks, or habitat loss. 

From tiny microbats to frilled-neck lizards and even estuarine crocodiles, the cost of rehabilitation can range from $120 for a small bird to over $500 per animal, not including medication or surgery.

The team also runs breeding programs for endangered species such as the mahogany glider, northern bettong, and koala.

With storm season on the horizon and animal admissions expected to rise, the centre is reaching out to the community for support.

Locals can get involved by forming a team and joining the fun on trivia night. Every dollar raised goes directly toward helping some of our region’s most vulnerable wildlife get back on their feet, or wings.