Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary collapses into administration

BYRON BAY Wildlife Sanctuary has entered voluntary administration, with conservation charity Wildlife Recovery Australia (WRA) confirming the move and assuring the community that animal care will continue.

WRA said the decision to enter voluntary administration was made by the directors of Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Operations Pty Ltd (BBWSO), which employs about 25 full-time equivalent staff led by a general manager.

While WRA is the sole member and shareholder of BBWSO, it said the sanctuary is an independent organisation governed by its own board.

“WRA acknowledges this is a difficult period for BBWSO Ltd and its employees,” founder, CEO and board director Dr Stephen Van Mil said.

“We would like to reassure the community that the welfare and veterinary care of the sanctuary’s 130 animal residents will continue through our trained and experienced wildlife veterinarians and nurses.”

According to the ACC, when a business goes bust and can’t pay its debts on time, this is called insolvency. Someone from outside the business, known as an external administrator, is appointed to try to save the business, sell the business, or to wind it down and try to repay its debts.

WRA said it will offer advice and support to administrators and change management consultants to assist sanctuary staff, trainees and volunteers through the transition.

The charity operates three facilities in the Northern Rivers: the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital headquarters at Lennox Head, the mobile Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital, and the Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre at Ewingsdale.

It also maintains three assets at the Knockrow sanctuary site, including the MacRae-Seaton Wildlife Recovery Area, the vet accommodation and training centre, and the mobile wildlife hospital.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital was co-located at the sanctuary between October 2021 and July 2025, providing veterinary care to its animal residents.

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