Cash boost arrives as wildlife hospital faces summer surge in rescues
A major funding boost for Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has arrived during one of its busiest periods, with staff responding to heat-stressed animals and injured wildlife from across the region.
Federal funding of $2 million was formally marked today at the Lennox Head-based hospital, with a plaque unveiling recognising the investment in life-saving wildlife care.
The funding will support the hospital’s core operations and its mobile wildlife unit, which responds to emergencies across the North Coast and nationally.
The visit came as staff dealt with the impacts of recent extreme weather.
In recent days, teams were on alert at Casino amid concerns fruit bats were dropping from trees in the extreme heat.
While the worst conditions eased, the hospital remains on standby for similar events over summer months, including the potential for bushfires.
Saved from the pool – the baby bandicoot (above) and being nursed (main photo) by Justine Elliot MP and Dr Bree Talbot
Vets have also been kept busy treating a juvenile peregrine falcon after it flew into a window and a baby bandicoot weighing about 100 grams, rescued from a swimming pool near Byron Bay.
Staff said the tiny animal was fortunate the homeowner recognised it was not a rat and called for the hospital.
Welcoming the confirmation of the election commitment made by Ms Elliot, hospital Founder and chief executive Stephen Van Mil said the timing of the funding was critical.
Since opening in 2020, the hospital has treated more than 11,000 wildlife patients.
This year alone, staff have cared for more than 146 threatened animals across 13 different species.
Dr Van Mil said more than 500 species have now passed through the hospital.
Mobile capacity was essential, particularly during disasters and extreme weather, he said.
“We were preparing to deploy our mobile hospital, Matilda, to provide immediate on-site care if needed,” Dr Van Mil said.
In addition to the Lennox Head hospital, the mobile wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre at Knockrow, the parent organisation Wildlife Recovery Australia has also achieved great success helping injured birds of prey through its specialist raptor centre at Ewingsdale.
Dr Van Mil said the centre was modelled on leading international facilities.
“The round design allows birds to fly continuously as they recover, rather than stopping and starting,” he said.
‘Matilda’ the mobile hospital – ready to hit the road this bushfire season
Dr Van Mill (third from left) and Justine Elliot MP, pictured with the staff and support crew at the Lennox head ‘base’ hospital
“Our release rate there is 100 per cent.
“Every eagle, falcon, kite and kestrel treated has been returned to the wild.”
Hospital general manager Bree Talbot said the funding would provide stability for staff and animals alike.
Ms Elliot said the investment recognised the hospital’s national significance.
“This funding means this remarkable team can keep doing what they do best, saving wildlife here in Lennox Head and through their mobile hospital,” she said.
Dr Van Mil said the funding was unrestricted, allowing the hospital to focus on day-to-day care.
“For organisations like ours, the project is business as usual,” he said.
“That’s what keeps the doors open and animals alive.”
Fantastic news. The hospital is the centre-piece of wildlife rescue and caring organisations which work hard to save each and every native bird or animal.