Currumbin Wildlife Hospital unveils new extension

The major building extensions have increased capacity, so the hospital can better cope with the busy season and emergencies such as bushfires.

At the weekend’s official opening, CWH Senior Vet Dr. Michael Pyne said 2020 was their busiest year on record, admitting almost 14,000 wildlife patients.

“The hospital extension was critical to increase capacity and ensure critical patients could get the best care,” said Dr. Pyne.

The hospital, which treats, rehabilitates and releases Australian wildlife, was built in 2009 with a plan to cater for a 10-20% growth in admissions. However within ten years this had increased by 300%, with the hospital regularly operating well above capacity.

WIRES was a direct contributor to the new $312,000 extension, along with all levels of Government, the National Trust of Australia and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

WIRES COO Kyla Shelley said it’s important the work continues.

“Together WIRES and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital have been able to increase wildlife access to more rescue and rehabilitation services. We’re deeply grateful to the ongoing support of the Australian community that makes our rescue to release work possible”, she said.

The opening of the extension coincided with the annual Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Open Day that saw hundreds of guests go behind the scenes and experience what one of Australia's busiest wildlife hospitals does.  

You can find out more about the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital here: currumbinsanctuary.com.au/wildlife-hospital