10,000 Patients Treated and Exciting New Chapter for BBWH

From humble beginnings to a national force in wildlife conservation, Wildlife Recovery Australia (WRA) – the not-for-profit behind Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital (BBWH) – is stepping into a bold new chapter in 2025.

In just five years, WRA has provided expert care to more than 10,000 sick, injured, and orphaned native animals, with over 40% successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. This momentum is driving a transformative shift in how wildlife care is delivered across the Northern Rivers and beyond.

A Permanent Home for Wildlife Care

On 11 August, BBWH - the first all-species wildlife hospital on the NSW North Coast, will officially relocate to a new, bricks-and-mortar hospital in Lennox Head.

This marks the realisation of WRA’s founding vision: a permanent facility that complements its flagship mobile hospital, ‘Matilda’, allowing it to focus more intensively on field work, education, and emergency response during natural disasters.

WRA now operates three specialist facilities:

• Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital HQ – Lennox Head

• Matilda – Mobile Wildlife Hospital – Knockrow

• Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre – Ewingsdale

Together, these centres form a unique model for scalable, regional wildlife care and biodiversity protection.

Milestones and Events

WRA recently surpassed 10,000 animals treated – a significant achievement that highlights both the capacity of its veterinary team and the urgent, growing need for dedicated wildlife care services in our region.

On Saturday 27 September, WRA will host its third annual Wild Aid fundraiser at The Green Room in Byron Bay. The event will be headlined by Hoodoo Gurus, supported by special guest Toni Childs, Screamfeeder, and The Honey Sliders. Proceeds from the event directly support WRA’s ongoing conservation and veterinary programs.

Financial Update

WRA has successfully met its $2.1 million operating budget for FY25. In addition, a $2 million federal funding commitment was recently confirmed by Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt. These funds are expected to be released in November as part of the standard federal funding cycle.

Philanthropy Opportunity

To build and maintain long-term financial sustainability, WRA has launched a structured philanthropic program in partnership with Perpetual Private. The organisation is currently seeking to raise the remaining $1.6 million of its $4.8 million four-year philanthropic fund from like-minded individuals and partners who value environmental protection and community impact.

If you are in a position to support the ongoing care and protection of Australia’s unique native wildlife, WRA welcomes the opportunity to connect.

To learn more, request an information pack, or arrange a no-obligation presentation, please contact Russell Mills at russell@byronbaywildlifehospital.org.