Cows stranded in Daintree flood water need urgent help

A wildlife tour operator is urging animal welfare groups to rescue cattle stranded for days in floodwater at the Daintree.

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A WILDLIFE tour operator is urging animal welfare groups to rescue cattle stranded for days in floodwater at the Daintree.

Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruises owner-operator David White said the cows had been isolated by the rising water for several days on an island about 2km upstream of the ferry.

“There’s nothing for them to eat,” he said.

“There are lots of people wanting to help. (I’m) not sure what they can do. (They will) need a boat and then to drag them across the river.”

A cow stranded in floodwater at the Daintree. PICTURE: DAVID WHITE

Mr White said he contacted the RSPCA about the cows.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said RSPCA was unable to assist, but passed the message to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“We simply don’t have the resources to deal with large scale livestock rescues. As you know there are many thousands all over Queensland at the moment,” he said.

The Cairns Post has contacted the Department of Environment and Science and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for comment.

Originally published as Cows stranded in Daintree flood water need urgent help