On hot days, you can help our wildlife by leaving containers of water out where you most commonly see the animals.

Containers should NOT be metal, as these heat very quickly. Terracotta pot plant bases or ice cream containers are ideal. Place these containers in a shaded area and ensure that you place a stick against the inside edge of the container of water (see photos), as often small animals will fall into the water while having a drink and drown because they can't get out.

If you have a koala on your property, please leave a container of water at the base of the tree they are in.

For possums, if you can, also leave out some fruit, they love grapes, watermelon, apple or pear beside the water.

Please also leave these animals in peace. As much as it is wonderful to see these animals close up, it can place more unnecessary stress on them in these very hot conditions to have humans around them. And please keep your dogs and cats away from where you have left the water containers.

Water, shade and peace will help an animal sufferring from heat exhaustion. Symptoms may include listlessness, confusion, and heavy breathing or panting. Examples of animals suffering from heat exhaustion may include the following :-

• Possums appearing on people's verandahs;
• Koalas sighted either on the ground or sitting low in trees;
• Roos not bothering to move off when approached. 

If the heat exhaustion appears severe, or does not improve after the animal has had a drink, PLEASE call Wildlife Victoria's 24hr Emergency line on (03) 8400 7300