It is not often that you meet someone who can state with such conviction that they have found their purpose in life. It is equally rare that someone fulfils that purpose with such passion, commitment and self-less motivation. Sylvia Whiting is one such person.

For the last 26 years Sylvia has been caring for and nursing our native wildlife back to health. Although she has always had an affinity with animals she had no idea it would turn into almost a full-time occupation. And she has her husband Bob to thank for that when he innocently brought home a tiny tawny frog mouth he had found on their property. Not sure how to care for it, Sylvia approached her local vet for information. Soon after the vet was sending more animals Sylvia’s way and her wildlife journey had begun. Through research, trial and error, personal experience and by carefully observing animal behaviour in the wild, Sylvia has accumulated a wealth of information, skills, techniques and wisdom about caring for a variety of native animals.

But it is not just Sylvia’s knowledge that produces such successful outcomes with sick and injured creatures. You only need to watch her administer to her ‘babies’ to see the incredible gentleness, extraordinary empathy and unconditional love she has for them. It is a 24hr a day, 365 days a year job. Feeds start at 6.00am and finish at 10.30pm, sometimes with a 2.00am one thrown in. Regardless of whether it is Christmas day, a birthday or a ‘tired’ day, Sylvia is there to tend to the animals. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

With it consuming such a huge part of Sylvia’s life, it is no surprise that it has become a family affair. Although Bob doesn’t share Sylvia’s passion, he supports her in a multitude of ways including constructing suitable enclosures and designing humidicribs. Their children grew up assisting with the care and now their grandchildren are learning the delights of helping Nanny with her patients. Even Tyson the dog has become a self-appointed guardian and protector. He will watch over Sylvia’s charges if they are spending out-door time and let Sylvia know exactly where they are if they stray too far.

Sylvia is also a founding member of WILVOS (Wildlife Volunteer Organisation Incorporated). Originally started and funded under the National Parks and Wildlife Queensland umbrella, twenty four years on WILVOS is an independent organisations wholly supported by volunteers. The group has grown from 20 to over 300 members with 110 of them being active carers. The organisation delivers talks to school students and conducts workshops and training for members to increase their knowledge and skills. Some members choose to work exclusively with a certain species such as bats, birds or snakes, while others like Sylvia take care of a number of different species. Members also man the 24hour hot line on a rotational basis so that the public can talk to an actual person for advice and guidance if they find a sick or injured animal.

Money to run the 24hour hot line and some administration costs comes from fundraising, memberships, donations and grants but the cost of food, medication and equipment needed for the adequate care of the animals comes out of the pockets of the carers. Sylvia also spends many hours at the computer doing administration work for the group. It is truly a labour of love on so many levels.

As I watch four wallabies trustingly come to Sylvia when she calls them to be feed and as I am privileged to have them include me in their curious attention I wonder how she ever lets them go. But Sylvia states that although you become very attached to the animals you care for there is nothing more satisfying than releasing them. It is part of the joy of knowing that with her care they are returning to the wild in a healthy state. At times they return to show off new partners and offspring and Sylvia has the added bonus of watching the instinctual cycle of life continue. She believes she has learnt much from the animals she cares for and they have contributed to the pleasure in her world. This is a life long commitment for Sylvia and I am so glad that there are people like her dedicated to the welfare of our precious wildlife.

If you would like to be part of WILVOS in some capacity go to www.wilvos.org.au or wildlife@wilvos.org.au. For sick or injured creature please call the WILVO hotline on 54416200.