Healesville Sanctuary veterinarians Dr Kelly O’Sullivan and Dr David Middleton introduced Premiere Steve Bracks and Environment Minister John Thwaites to a sick joey at the opening of the Australian Wildlife Health Centre.By Dion Teasdale
HEALESVILLE Sanctuary’s new $6 million interactive Australian wildlife hospital was officially unveiled last week.
Premier Steve Bracks and Environment Minister John Thwaites were on hand to launch the new attraction, the sanctuary’s largest project in its 70-year history.
The brainchild of the sanctuary’s senior veterinarian, Dr David Middleton, the Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC) takes visitors on an interactive journey through wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Designed around a public gallery, the centre offers views into the emergency room for new arrivals, the operating theatre, diagnostic laboratory and rehabilitation area.
“The new Australian Wildlife Health Centre will provide close-up views of veterinary staff treating sick, injured and orphaned native animals,” Mr Bracks said.
“The centre brings behind-the-scene vet hospital work to the front-of-house for the first time, providing visitors with a first hand experience of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release, and effectively turning the hospital inside out.”
Mr Bracks said visitors would be able to follow the journey of an animal, such as an injured bird or an orphaned wombat, through the process of rescue, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Funding for the project comes from the State Government’s $32 million pledge to upgrade and improve Victoria’s zoos along with contributions from sponsors and the Friends of the Zoos.
Mr Thwaites said the AWHC would build upon Healesville Sanctuary’s leading role in Australian wildlife care.
