New x-ray machine to help native wildlife

MURRINDINDI Ranges Wildlife Shelter have taken receipt of a new mobile x-ray machine, to help support their work caring for injured native wildlife.

Kate Turner from the organisation explained that there’s been a long process involved.

She explained that 10 years ago, she returned to university to study to be a veterinary technician, so she would have the qualifications to be able to get a licence to use the x-ray machine. The course is three year full time, but Kate did it part-time and it took her five years as she was wildlife caring at the same time.

There has also been a long, slow process of fundraising. She thanked the public, Bendigo Bank Kinglake and the Valley Group, and Murrindindi Shire Council for their support.

They were finally able to purchase the x-ray machine this year, costing $43,500.

Kate can now take x-rays and send the radiographs to one of the many vets who volunteer their time. They assess and provide Kate with feedback. The animals can then be treated accordingly.

Kate said, “It’s not so much of a lifesaver, but it will speed up whether they’re a definite euthanase, and without the suffering of trying to lug them into the car and then into a clinic and then back out again.

“We’ve got one roo here who’s going to get released a month earlier than I originally…