Oz wildlife clinic gets a new home

Sydney – A mobile hospital for injured wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos began a journey on Thursday to its new base in Byron Bay, on Australia’s east coast.

Custom-built by Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital in a 16m semitrailer truck, the mobile clinic will treat and rehabilitate native animals hurt and traumatised during wildlife crises across the country.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital founder and chief executive Dr Stephen Van Mil said the project was conceived two years ago, but the devastation of Australia’s disastrous bushfire season last year underscored the need.

“Seeing dozens of injured koalas sitting in laundry baskets waiting for care was heartbreaking,” Van Mil said in a statement.

Since then, a crowd-funding campaign, philanthropic donations and help from conservation groups have turned the A$700 000 (about R7.8 million) mobile hospital into a reality.

The vehicle has been fitted with veterinary equipment, including ultrasound and X-ray machines, operating and recovery areas, water storage, satellite communications and solar power.

“I can now actually help these animals quickly,” said wildlife specialist Dr Bree Talbot. –