Crane needed to help out gliders

ROSEDALE wildlife rehabilitation carer Judy Elliot has a strange request.

Mrs Elliot is looking for the use of a crane to help place the roof for a new aviary which will give feathertail and sugar gliders the space to practise flying and bond before they are released into the wild.

“We have been trying various things to see how we can get it up but nothing has worked,” Mrs Elliot said.

Mrs Elliot received funding from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for the materials for the enclosure, but the 7.2m by 3.6m roof currently remains on the ground.

Mrs Elliot said that as a pack animal, gliders need to be in groups of at least five before they can be successfully released into the wild which is where the enclosure comes into play.

“It is quite surprising how many do come in injured and it is sad to say it is mainly domestic cats roaming at night that cause the injuries,” she said.

Mrs Elliot said she had already had one offer of help from a man with a crane on the back of a truck, but he was unsure if he would be able to help with the job.

Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council chair Annie Saunders said it was quite common for carers to request help.

“It is the only way anyone gets funding or help if we ask for help from the community,” Mrs Saunders said.

Anyone with a crane and wishes to help out telephone 0428 980 814.