Feeding Native Animals
For over thirty years Geoff and Christine Smith have been looking after orphaned or injured native animals. Around 1500 kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats and possums have been saved, and then released back to the bush where they were found.
Marsupials are born at a very undeveloped stage. Rearing these youngsters is not like looking after kittens or puppies: it is specialised, intensive work which requires complete dedication from the carers. When the Smiths first started hand raising native animals, specialised equipment and food products were not available. Undeterred, Geoff developed a milk substitute suitable for marsupials. He also developed feeding teats of different strengths and textures to suit particular animals.
Biolac
Cow’s milk is high in lactose and low in fat. Marsupials cannot tolerate too much lactose. They find it hard to digest and often end up with diarrhoea. Designing a milk substitute for them has always been difficult, because marsupial milk contains large amounts of special sugars not found in the milk of other mammals. With the help of scientists at the CSIRO and Sydney University, Geoff has developed Biolac products for marsupials, kittens, puppies, foals and other lactose intolerant animals. The formulas are very successful, because they are based on the composition of the natural milk of each animal. Christine and Geoff are very proud that zoos in both Australia and America are now using their range of products to feed infant animals.
Further information
Geoff & Christine Smith, phone (02) 9823 9874. Biolac milks are available throughout Australia from pet shops, vets and produce stores. The legal requirements for keeping native fauna vary from state to state. Special permits are required. Check with the relevant wildlife authority in your state.
