Vision, purpose and what we do?
Vision
Protecting wildlife, preserving tomorrow
Purpose
To drive positive change for wildlife and their habitats through action, science and advocacy
What we do
WA Wildlife is Australia’s busiest rescue-to-release wildlife organisation*, home to one of the most active native animal veterinary hospitals in the country. With complete oversight of every stage of care, our approach is unique in Australia.
Founded in 1998 under the name Native ARC Incorporated (current legal name), the organisation was born from a deep concern for the welfare of native wildlife in Western Australia and a desire to help animals in need.
From the very beginning, Native ARC Incorporated’s goal was clear: to rescue, treat and rehabilitate injured, sick, orphaned and displaced native wildlife. For over two decades, Native ARC Incorporated worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, providing essential care and support to wildlife across the region.
From 1998 to 2021 the organisation traded under the name Native ARC, becoming a well-known and respected brand in the community.
In 2021, Native ARC Incorporated ceased trading as Native ARC and began trading as WA Wildlife. Today, WA Wildlife protects wildlife and preserves tomorrow through our nationally recognised programs in veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, emergency response, education, eco-tourism and research.
*WA Wildlife is Australia’s busiest rescue-to-release organisation, operating a unique model where every stage of care happens on-site. We run our own rescue service, veterinary hospital, rehabilitation facility and release programs, with no outsourcing of veterinary treatment or rehabilitation. This means we typically care for 300–500 animals at the hospital and rehab facility at any one time – a model not seen anywhere else in the country.
The history of WA Wildlife
WA Wildlife has been caring for WA’s native animals since 1998.
Native ARC Incorporated begins as a small wildlife rehabilitation facility out of an old house, leased by the City of Cockburn, which was located on the northside of Bibra Lake.
The City of Cockburn demolishes the old house and Native ARC relocates to an adjacent house that is leased by the City of Cockburn.
Native ARC undergoes a major restructure. This results in the introduction of structured operational systems that ensure compliance with regulatory bodies in Western Australia.
Planning for the first Native ARC veterinary hospital commences.
Native ARC is licensed with the then Veterinary Surgeons’ Board of Western Australia (now Veterinary Practice Board of WA), making Native ARC the first wildlife rehabilitation facility in WA to operate as both a rehabilitation facility and veterinary hospital.
The redevelopment of Native ARC commenced. Native ARC undertook extensive consultation, designing and planning for a purpose built wildlife hospital, rehabilitation facility and education and training hub.
Native ARC opened its first Op Shop (now named WA Wildlife Op Shop Hilton) on November 16 2020.
- Native ARC Incorporated ceased trading as Native ARC and commenced trading as WA Wildlife.
- The WA Wildlife Hospital opened. The building was funded by the City of Cockburn and fit out funded by Lotterywest. The Hospital represents another step towards excellence and innovation for wildlife medicine and rehabilitation in Australia. At almost 700m2, it is one of the largest wildlife hospitals in Australia, and is also the busiest wildlife rehabilitation facility in Western Australia.
- The WA Wildlife Ambulance commenced operations. The Ambulance is the only designated wildlife rescue service in Western Australia with paid Rescue Officers.
The WA Wildlife Hospital experienced its busiest year on record, admitting more than 6500 animals to the Hospital (more than double that of any other wildlife rehabilitation facility in Western Australia).
- The official launch of the new WA Wildlife site (including the WA Wildlife Hospital and WA Wildlife Education and Training Centre) took place on the 2nd May 2023.
- WA Wildlife Op Shop Yangebup (second store) was opened on 5 June 2023.
- WA Wildlife opened its doors to visitors for the first time on 8 November 2023. Visitors were permitted entry via its educational tours program – marking a significant milestone in its education and training programs.
- The redevelopment of the WA Wildlife site was complete after 5 years of planning and construction.
- The WA Wildlife Marine Turtle ICU Facility and Reptile Discovery Centre were both launched on 31 October 2024.
WA Wildlife receives it’s EcoStar accreditation which is for tourism businesses that demonstrate the highest level of environmental management over and above Sustainable Tourism requirements.
WA Wildlife compliance
WA Wildlife is a trading name for Native ARC Incorporated. Native ARC Inc is a registered charity, licence number 21503, licensed in Western Australia under the Charitable Collections Act 1946.
Native ARC Inc is classified as a medium-sized charity under the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission and is audited annually by Australian Audit.
Native ARC Inc/WA Wildlife is registered & licensed with:
- Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) Register (Federal Government)
- Register of Environmental Organisations (Federal Government)
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (State Government)
- Veterinary Practice Board WA (State Government)
- Radiology Council WA (State Government)
- Department of Health (State Government)
- WA Police (State Government)
- Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (State Government)
WA Wildlife relies on donations from the public, fundraising activities, grants from private and public organisations, and is assisted in its operations with support from the City of Cockburn.