Application for approval to physically display wildlife to the public or media - wildlife rehabilitator

Use this form to apply for prior written approval from the Conservation Regulator to physically display wildlife in your care to the public or media, including for photogaphy or filming.

The primary goal of rehabilitation is to restore sick, injured or orphaned wildlife to full health and return them to the wild as quickly as possible.

For this reason, Condition 20 of shelter and foster carer authorisations prohibits the physical display of wildlife to the general public or media unless prior written approval is granted by the Conservation Regulator.

Prior written approval is required for the following:

filming or photography undertaken by a third party for any reason including print, television or social media
attendance at your address of a person not directly involved in the care of the wildlife, to show them the wildlife, for any reason including education or tourism

Note that the Conservation Regulator will not issue approval to display wildlife retrospectively. Prior written approval must be obtained. Please allow at least 14 days for your request to be assessed.

The following are not appropriate under any circumstances and will not be granted written approval:

photographs must not be staged in any way
under no circumstances should animals be dressed in costumes
flash photography or excessive artificial light for display or photography
wildlife must not be taken off-site to any location other than for vet care or for transfer to another facility for care or release to the wild upon successful rehabilitation
The handling (holding or touching) of wildlife in your care by anyone other than the authorisation holder, vet or regular volunteer.

Authorisation holder's full name (required) *

Authorisation holder's phone number (required) *

Date of Birth (required) *

Authorisation holder's email address (required) *

Operating address of shelter or foster carer (required) *

Authorisation number (required) *

Please indicate indicate which DEECA region you are located in. Use the link below to help you identify the relevant DEECA region if unsure. (required) *

Regions and locations (deeca.vic.gov.au)

What is your main reason for applying for approval to display rehabilitating wildlife to the public and/or media? (required) *

Please give a detailed description of the proposed display activity (required) *

Please list each individual animal you are requesting to display and its injuries or reason for care (required) *

How long has this animal been in care? (required) *

Are any of the wildlife you wish to display receiving pain-relief medication? (required) *

Who are you requesting to display the wildlife to? Please list individuals' names and their organisation or business affiliation if applicable. (required) *

Where will the wildlife be displayed? (required) *

Maximum time period of display? (required) *

Proposed display date. If unknown, please select date from when it may occur (required) *