Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has announced new facilities to extend its capacity to recover and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife for return to the wild.
Co-located at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly the Macadamia Castle), the new 450 square metre Wildlife Recovery Area features large enclosures for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
There is also office space and a reception area for carers and members of the public with wildlife in their care. Construction and materials were funded through philanthropic donations from the MacRae family. The Seaton Foundation donated funds to purchase the animal enclosures, fixtures, tools and equipment.
‘We are extremely grateful to David, Sue and Scott MacRae, Belinda and Kristy-Lee Seaton for their unwavering belief in our work,’ said Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Founder & CEO Dr. Stephen Van Mil.
‘These facilities would not exist without their generous support,’ he said.
Foundation Veterinarian Dr Bree Talbot said that she had seen patient numbers grow steadily over the past three years to up to 100 a week.
‘We need more space to meet demand,’ Dr Talbot said.
‘The proximity of the Recovery Area to the Hospital means we can monitor the health of patients more closely and collaborate with licensed wildlife rehabilitators to maximise their prospects of recovery, release and survival in the wild.
The Wildlife Hospital has also received a brand new four wheel drive Recovery Vehicle for the busy summer ahead sponsored by SIXT Truck and Car Rental.
The Seaton Foundation has also funded a Volunteer Coordinator position to recruit and manage a team of volunteers who will support the veterinary team and Sanctuary keepers in the day to day running of the Wildlife Recovery Area.
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