New wildlife care facility opens its doors

Environment Minister Donna Faragher has officially opened a new $2million purpose-built wildlife care facility in Lesmurdie.

The Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which is a non-profit organisation, has relocated to the former Paxwold Girl Guides camp site in the Perth hills after more than 25 years.

Mrs Faragher said the new centre was five times bigger than the previous facility in Gooseberry Hill.

"Over the years the number of wildlife admissions at the centre has increased from 70 to more than 2,000 every year, resulting in the need for a much bigger rehabilitation facility," she said.

"The new centre features a hospital unit, enclosures for the animals, training facilities and an education centre.  It also accommodates the rehabilitation and captive breeding of endangered species."

During the official opening, the Minister praised the work of volunteers who have devoted endless hours to caring for sick, injured, displaced and orphaned native animals.

"The centre is open every single day of the year and it is extremely heart-warming to see the generosity of people in the community who selflessly give their time to look after our native wildlife around the clock," she said.

"More than 50 per cent of sick or injured native wildlife that are admitted to Kanyana are released back to their natural habitat and this is largely because of the commitment and support from volunteers, carers and other community groups."

Mrs Faragher also acknowledged Lotterywest for a $1.8million community grant to the centre.

"This money has helped the centre to grow to its full potential in order to meet the future needs of wildlife rehabilitation in Western Australia," she said.

"The centre works closely with the Department of Environment and Conservation and continues to find new ways to engage the community in wildlife awareness."

Kanyana recently received $5,000 for veterinary services and medical supplies as part of the State Government's $6million Environmental Community Grants program.