Sydney: Australian prisoners are caring for animals that have been abandoned, attacked by predators, hit by cars or even seized in a drug bust as part of a rehabilitation programme.
Kangaroos, emus, wombats, snakes and cockatoos are just some of the native creatures being nursed back to health by inmates at a wildlife centre based in the John Morony Correctional Complex outside Sydney.
Officials say the scheme helps instill a sense of responsibility and develops life skills for offenders preparing for the outside world.
"It is a real positive impact and the animals can actually sometimes help people heal."
But most are later released back into the wild, or found a home via the animal rescue organisation that first brought them there.
The snake had become addicted to meth after absorbing the narcotic through its skin and required treatment before it was released back into the wild.
Some former offenders who have left prison continue to work with wildlife, with one teaching people how to handle venomous snakes.
Tasked with feeding the nocturnal wildlife, like the possums and wombats, he added he hopes to continue to care for animals after his jail term ends.
"Each corner you turn, you are greeted - in their way.
"The ones that can talk will say 'hello' but the other ones that can't talk, they will make a sign to say g'day."
Kangaroos, emus, wombats, snakes and cockatoos are just some of the native creatures being nursed back to health by inmates at a wildlife centre based in the John Morony Correctional Complex outside Sydney.
Officials say the scheme helps instill a sense of responsibility and develops life skills for offenders preparing for the outside world.
"It is a real positive impact and the animals can actually sometimes help people heal."
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The scheme helps instill a sense of responsibility for offenders preparing for the outside world
But most are later released back into the wild, or found a home via the animal rescue organisation that first brought them there.
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The snake had become addicted to meth after absorbing the narcotic through its skin and required treatment before it was released back into the wild.
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Some former offenders who have left prison continue to work with wildlife, with one teaching people how to handle venomous snakes.
Advertisement
Tasked with feeding the nocturnal wildlife, like the possums and wombats, he added he hopes to continue to care for animals after his jail term ends.
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"Each corner you turn, you are greeted - in their way.
"The ones that can talk will say 'hello' but the other ones that can't talk, they will make a sign to say g'day."
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