A clear and simple goal!
WA Wildlife’s history is one of compassion, dedication, and resilience. 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. However, while the Native ARC brand is no longer being actively promoted, the legacy of Native ARC lives on in the values, philosophies, and long-term volunteers and staff who continue to represent everything that the Native ARC brand stood for.
Throughout its history, WA Wildlife has faced numerous challenges and obstacles. However, the organisation has always remained steadfast in its commitment to its mission, working tirelessly to provide the best possible care to the animals in its care. This dedication has seen WA Wildlife become a leading wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation organisations in Western Australia, with a reputation for excellence and compassion.
Today, WA Wildlife continues to provide vital services to animals in need, with a clear and simple goal: to “Help Wild Lives Live”. The organisation’s team of dedicated volunteers and staff work around the clock to rescue, treat, and rehabilitate animals, ensuring that they have the best possible chance of survival.
Through its work, WA Wildlife not only helps individual animals, but also contributes to the conservation of native wildlife populations, helping to ensure that these precious species can thrive for generations to come.
With our continued dedication to “Helping Wild Lives Live”, WA Wildlife is sure to continue making a positive impact for years to come.
The history of WA Wildlife
Through conservation, biodiversity, wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, education and training to community engagement, 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 centre.
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.
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.