- South West's first dedicated wildlife hospital
officially opens in Margaret River
- $1.5 million Cook Labor Government investment as
part of WA's bird flu preparedness
- Margaret River Wildlife Hospital will provide
experienced veterinary care for wild native animals free of charge, seven days
a week
- Reinforces Cook Labor Government's commitment to
protecting native wildlife
The South West's first
dedicated wildlife hospital has officially opened, marking a major milestone
for wildlife care and rehabilitation in regional Western Australia.
The Margaret River
Wildlife Hospital will significantly expand the State's capacity to treat sick,
injured, and orphaned native wildlife, support wildlife rehabilitation efforts,
and strengthen preparedness and response capability for wildlife emergencies
including H5 bird flu.
The hospital will be
operated by WA Wildlife and Wildlife Recovery Australia in partnership,
providing experienced veterinary care for wild native animals free of charge,
seven days a week.
The facility will also
work closely with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,
and Perth Zoo to support wildlife treatment, rehabilitation, and emergency
response activities across the region.
A dedicated wildlife
rescue vehicle based at the hospital will further strengthen response
capability throughout the South West.
In the coming weeks, the
team will complete final preparations, including operational systems and
infrastructure, ahead of commencing wildlife treatment and rehabilitation
services from 12 November.
The $2.77 million project
is being funded via a $1.5 million investment by the Cook Labor Government as
part of Western Australia's bird flu preparedness and response efforts,
philanthropic funding, and in-kind contributions from volunteers.
The Margaret River
Wildlife Hospital builds on the Cook Labor Government's co-ordinated response
to bird flu, which includes:
- regular engagement with the poultry industry, local
governments, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitators, including
webinars and community forums;
- enhanced surveillance and testing across the State, supported
by trained field teams, expanded laboratory capacity, and increased
supplies of sampling equipment and personal protective equipment;
- ongoing preparedness for spread and establishment in the
State, including wildlife mortality management;
- a central bird flu website and regular public updates
providing clear information and helping Western Australians contribute to
early detection;
- a stakeholder communications toolkit providing consistent,
practical information for industry, community organisations, and other
partners to share through their networks;
- regular engagement with the Consultative Committee on
Emergency Animal Diseases and the National Management Group;
- Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants for wildlife groups to
prepare for the impacts of bird flu; and
- vaccinations of a range of native birds at Perth Zoo as well
as wild little penguins on Penguin Island.
Comments attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to protecting native species and we
will continue to work with the wildlife sector to support conservation across
the State.
"The Margaret River Wildlife Hospital is a great example of the wildlife
sector and the government teaming up to strengthen Western Australia's position
as we prepare for the onset of bird flu, ensuring we have the capacity and
expertise to respond to wildlife crises where and when it matters most."
Comments attributed to
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"As the South West's
first dedicated wildlife hospital, this facility represents a major step
forward in wildlife care and rehabilitation in the area.
"Having a dedicated
wildlife centre here in the South West will also strengthen our ability to
respond to bird flu in regional Western Australia.
"I'm looking forward to
seeing the difference this hospital will make for our wildlife and the wider
South West community."
Comments attributed to
WA Wildlife CEO Dean Huxley:
"We are excited to be
opening the Margaret River Wildlife Hospital and to be able to work with the
wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary communities in the South West.
"This facility will
provide numerous wildlife conservation benefits, and we are excited to be
working alongside Wildlife Recovery Australia to make this dream a reality."
Comments attributed to
Wildlife Recovery Australia CEO Stephen Van Mil:
"This is a very
exciting project for Wildlife Recovery Australia. The partnership with WA
Wildlife and the support of the State Government and WA philanthropists have
made this possible.
"The Margaret River
Wildlife Hospital will rapidly become a vital centre to preserve the
extraordinary wildlife of south-west Western Australia."
