The first of it’s kind
The WA Wildlife Hospital is the first of its kind in Western Australia. At almost 700m2 in size, it is a purpose-built facility with a capacity to house up to 10,000 animals each year.
As of 2026, the Hospital takes in 30% of the State’s sick and injured wildlife.
The WA Wildlife Hospital commenced operations in April 2021 and (the building) was funded by the City of Cockburn as part of the Cockburn Wetlands Precinct redevelopment.
In June 2021, Lotterywest provided WA Wildlife with a generous grant that enabled WA Wildlife to fit out the Hospital. The Hospital is now equipped with specialised equipment, enclosures, and resources needed to give wildlife the best chance of recovery.
WA Wildlife receives no State or Federal government funding (excluding ad hoc grants) and is heavily reliant on funding from donations and sponsors to cover running costs.
The Hospital is open 365 days a year from 8.30am – 5.30pm and provides free medical services to wildlife brought in directly from the public, local rangers, or other veterinary clinics and rehabilitation facilities.
Rehabilitation for all native wildlife
At WA Wildlife, we believe that all wildlife deserve a chance at life. That’s why we have dedicated ourselves to providing expert care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wildlife in Western Australia. Our rehabilitation facilities are designed to give animals the best possible chance of survival and to ultimately return them back to their natural habitats.
Our licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility is connected to the WA Wildlife Hospital and has a range of purpose-built enclosures for different species of animals. These enclosures were made possible by the generous support of Lotterywest, BP Kwinana Refinery, and the State National Resource Management (NRM). Each enclosure is designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for animals to recover and regain their strength.
Our dedicated team of volunteer wildlife rehabilitators has extensive experience in caring for a wide range of animals, from small marsupials to raptors, reptiles, waterbirds, seabirds, and marine turtles. We provide specialised rehabilitation that includes ongoing husbandry, diet and nutrition, assist feeding, temperature conditioning and behavioural training to ensure that animals are fully prepared for their eventual return to the wild.
Wildlife rehabilitation is a complex process that requires a lot of time, effort, and resources. That’s why we are committed to providing the best possible care for each animal that comes through our doors. We are proud to be a part of protecting and conserving the incredible diversity of wildlife in Western Australia.
Our rehabilitation programs are a testament to our volunteers’ commitment to wildlife conservation. By providing expert care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wildlife, we are helping to ensure wildlife have a chance to thrive and contribute to the natural ecosystems of Western Australia.
Building capacity
Our Marine Turtle Intensive Care Facility is the first of its kind in Western Australia. Purpose-built to provide veterinary care for sick and injured marine turtles, it offers a dedicated quarantine and treatment space designed to meet the unique needs of these threatened species.
The facility commenced operations in October 2024 and was funded through the generous support of the State NRM Program as part of the final stage of the Cockburn Wetlands Precinct redevelopment.
Equipped with specialised equipment, saltwater systems and purpose-built enclosures, the Marine Turtle Intensive Care Facility enables WA Wildlife to deliver on-site veterinary care and intensive rehabilitation to these endangered species.
Patients are stabilised here before being transferred AQWA for long-term rehabilitation and release.
WA Wildlife receives no ongoing State or Federal government funding (excluding ad hoc grants) and relies heavily on donations and sponsorships to cover operating costs.
The facility operates 365 days a year, providing free treatment for marine turtles and sea snakes admitted by members of the public, local rangers, fisheries officers, AQWA or other rehabilitation groups.
Our wildlife ambulance is ready for emergencies
In February 2021, WA Wildlife commenced the WA Wildlife Ambulance, the first wildlife rescue service in WA with paid Rescue Officers. This wildlife rescue service in Perth allows for timely rescues 7 days/week.
The Ambulance and fit out was funded with a grant from the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
The Ambulance acts as an emergency triage vehicle during bushfires and other emergencies. To maximise the Ambulance use when there are no emergencies, it is used as a rescue vehicle throughout the year.
Salaries for Wildlife Rescue Officers are covered by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International (SPCAI). To date, more than 2400 animals have been rescued from a variety of locations and situations.
The Ambulance is fitted with a range of speciality rescue and critical care equipment, including:
- Intensive Care Units
- Fluid pumps
- Transport cages
- Tranquiliser firearms
- Net launcher
- Tree climbing equipment
- Emergency fluids
- Nets
- Ladders
- A kayak
- Tree pruners to rescue birds caught in netting
- Radios, torches, lighting, and ropes
