WILDLIFE Habitat staff in Port Douglas are receiving counselling today after six animals were found dead inside the park and another five remain in a critical condition.

?Two dogs have been impounded after staff arrived at the Habitat yesterday morning to find them inside the savannah enclosure. The space is home to the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Parma Wallaby’s and a number of other macropods.

?The dogs killed six of the kangaroos and wallaby’s and severely injured at least five others, while several other wildlife remain under strict observation.

“It has been an extremely traumatic experience for everyone here at the Wildlife Habitat,” said General Manager Clare Anderson.

??“When I arrived the dogs were just standing in one of the corners of the enclosure. There were deceased animals nearby. It has been quite an upsetting experience.”??

Investigations are ongoing as to how the pet dogs gained access to the enclosure, however they may have been inside for up to eight hours. The breed of both dogs was unable to be released today as it may identify the owner.

?Anderson said it was ‘quite likely’ more wallabies and kangaroos would die, while a number of others remained at risk due to stress related conditions. It’s the first time an incident like this has happened at the popular tourist attraction.?

“These animals are very much a part of the family for staff members here,” Anderson said.

?“We are providing counselling and all the necessary support that is needed.?

?“We still have five animals in a critical condition which is causing us all a great deal of concern while stress related trauma could cause more deaths.”??

The injured wildlife is being monitored at the park’s onsite animal care facility.??

It’s believed the dogs involved belong to the same owner, who has been contacted by Douglas Shire Council staff today. The pets have been issued with Proposed Dangerous Dog Declarations and will remain impounded until further notice.

“The owner is in discussions with Council on the option of surrendering the dogs and Council officers have arranged to meet the owner,” A Council spokesperson said.?

“The owner is very remorseful the dogs have been involved in this incident.”??

Anderson said it was a tragic reminder of the need for pet owners to be vigilant. She did not blame the dogs for the incident, saying they were only acting on instinct.??

“The dogs were definitely pets, as soon as I called them they came running to me and were happy to see me,” she said.

“You could tell they were friendly and much loved animals, they’ve just acted on their natural instincts.??

“They’ve come into contact with other moving animals in a confined space and in the dark, and their natural instincts have taken over.”??

Part of the savannah enclosure will remain closed to the public until the Wildlife Habitat is confident there are no residual effects to the animals.