A VERY SPECIAL HOP-SPITAL!
Check out the clinic helping injured roos find their feet
When sick and injured animals came through the doors of Sydney’s Animal Rehab Klinik in the wake of the tragic 2020 bushfires, Dr Rhys Donovan’s heart would break.
Before the devastating fires two years ago, the clinic mostly worked with domestic pets, but when tragedy struck and thousands of native wild animals were affected, Rhys realised his specialist knowledge could be put to good use.
“It was very intense for me to see the devastation but it really started a passion in me to help the animals that had survived. It is so rewarding,” says Rhys, a former chiropractic and osteopathic practitioner, who together with his work partner Dr Matt Breeds, opened the clinic in 2018.
The pair met while studying animal biomechanical medicine, which gave them the skills and knowledge to work with native wildlife, helping them recover from their injuries.
‘It is amazing to make a positive difference to these animals’
Together, they have been donating their time to helping kangaroos injured in the fires, as well as other wild animals involved in accidents, such as getting stuck in fences and being hit by cars.
Using pain-free laser therapy on hurt and injured wildlife, they hope to accelerate the healing process, which leads to decreased pain and swelling, increased circulation, faster healing and reduced inflammation.
“The lasers helped the animals with their burns and wounds from the fires. We also made some little casts to help fractured legs and tails,” he tells.
“It is amazing to make a positive difference to these animals and give them a quality of life. It’s great to know we have helped make their lives better. They are such special creatures.”