Thrive Animal Behaviour and Wellbeing

We had the pleasure today looking after Dule a beautiful boy who is only 7 months old. It was a pleasure to have you Dule. 🧡

If you live in Australia, chances are you’re familiar with magpie swooping. This is a defensive behaviour, carried out almost entirely by male magpies, as they protect their eggs and chicks during the breeding season.

In reality, swooping is uncommon. Fewer than 10% of breeding males will swoop people, yet the behaviour feels widespread. Swooping usually occurs between August and October and stops once chicks have left the nest.

If you do encounter a protective parent, here are some tips to stay safe:
🐦 Avoid the area where magpies are swooping and consider placing a temporary sign to warn others.
🐦 Wear a hat or carry an open umbrella for protection.
🐦 Cyclists should dismount and walk through.
🐦 Travel in groups, as magpies usually only target individuals.
🐦 Stay calm around magpies in trees – walk, don’t run.
🐦 Avoid making direct eye contact with the birds.

If you are swooped, keep moving. You’re still in the bird’s territory, so it will continue until you leave the area. Remember, this behaviour is temporary and will end once the young have fledged.

If you find an injured or orphaned native animal, call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or report a rescue via our website ⤵️
https://hubs.la/Q03GCZmZ0

🌟 A Feline Breakthrough! 🌟

I’ve been looking after two cats, and one of them has been keeping her distance—completely uninterested in me. But today, something amazing happened. She came over, purred, and rubbed up against my legs! It was such a wonderful moment, like she finally decided she could trust me to take care of her, feed her, and yes, clean up after her too.

I’ll admit, I haven’t had much experience with cats before, and I’m blown away by how incredibly smart they are. This little one has been watching my every move, and today felt like her way of saying, “Thank you.” I didn’t touch her, respecting her space, but I made sure to say, “Thank you” right back.

Building trust with an animal is such a rewarding experience—especially when they choose to connect with you on their own terms. 🐾💗

We're here again, reminding everyone, it's STILL Koala dispersal season!

Little ones, like Olivia , are on the move to find their new homes 💚

Olivia was with us for a short time after being found on the side of the road near Highland Park. She had some blood in her abdomen which lead the team to believe she had been hit by a car 💔

She's a fighter though, and was released shortly after receiving a clean bill of health 🥰