Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary ops goes into voluntary administration

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Operations Pty Ltd (BBWSO) has has gone into voluntary administration, according to conservation charity, Wildlife Recovery Australia Ltd (WRA).

In a statement by WRA, they say, ‘The decision to go into voluntary administration was made by the directors of BBWSO’.

WRA say, ‘BBWSO is an independent organisation to WRA, governed by its own board of directors. It employs approximately 25 full-time equivalent staff members, led by a general manager (GM)’.

‘WRA provides veterinary and rehabilitation services for sick, injured and orphaned native Australian animals.  

‘It operates three facilities in the Northern Rivers region: Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital HQ (Lennox Head), Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital (Mobile) and the Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre (Ewingsdale).

‘WRA is the sole member and shareholder of Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Operations Ltd (BBWSO), and maintains three assets at the Knockrow location: MacRae-Seaton Wildlife Recovery Area, Vet Accommodation & Training Centre and Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital (Mobile).

‘WRA businessByron Bay Wildlife Hospital (BBWH) was co-located at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary from October 2021 to July 2025. During this time, BBWH has provided professional veterinary care to the animal residents of the Sanctuary’.

WRA Founder, CEO and Board Director, Dr Stephen Van Mil, said in a statement, ‘WRA acknowledges this is a difficult period for BBWSO Ltd and its employees’.

‘We would like to reassure the community that the welfare and veterinary care of the Sanctuary’s 130 animal residents will continue through our trained and experienced wildlife veterinarians and nurses.’

‘WRA will offer advice and support to administrators and change management consultants to assist Sanctuary staff, trainees and volunteers through this transition period.’