Wildlife hospital hits the road

BYRON Bay Wildlife Hospital has launched a nationwide tour with its mobile wildlife hospital van Matilda, providing veterinary care while calling for greater federal support for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

The hospital is urging the Federal Government to establish a coordinated national framework for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services.

Matilda departed from its base at Lennox Head with support from local councils and politicians.

The van has already visited several communities across NSW as part of the hospital’s six week tour.

Hospital chief executive Dr Stephen Van Mil praised staff and volunteers supporting the initiative.

“We want to acknowledge and thank our incredible veterinary team and volunteers who are supporting this national journey,” he said.

“While some of the team are travelling with Matilda, many others are ensuring the day-to-day operations of Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital continue seamlessly, providing lifesaving care to wildlife every single day.”

Since opening six years ago, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and Matilda have treated more than 12,000 native animals including turtles, lizards, possums and other marsupials.

The tour will see Matilda travel to Canberra, Victoria and Tasmania before heading to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, eventually reaching Western Australia and returning home via Sydney.

Matilda’s first stop was Coffs Harbour where the veterinary team conducted health checks and treatment planning for animals in care including a Macquarie turtle, mountain brushtail possum, ringtail possum, green sea turtle, blue tongued lizards and a bearded dragon.

The team also provided education sessions for children and worked with wildlife rescue groups during a stop in the Blue Mountains.

The tour will continue to support rescue groups and communities along the way.