Koala Ward opens At Werribee Open Range Zoo

The RSPCA Koala Ward at Werribee Open Range Zoo is now complete and fully operational to provide expert, compassionate care for sick and injured koalas, native birds, reptiles and mammals in Victoria’s western regions.

The RSPCA Koala Ward expands Zoos Victoria’s existing wildlife hospital network, including Healesville Sanctuary and Melbourne Zoo, and furthers the state’s ability to treat and care for precious wildlife during future disasters and emergency wildlife care requirements.

Zoos Victoria Chief Executive Dr Jenny Gray notes “there is a strong need for emergency wildlife services in the western region with the number of injured native wildlife needing treatment at Werribee Open Range Zoo climbing significantly over the past five years.”

The new hospital consists of two large recovery wards, two fully equipped surgery rooms, a neonatal room, food preparation zone, sterilisation room, pharmacy facilities, hay shed, browse fridge, and a quiet room for injured wildlife waiting to be admitted or recovering from surgery.

Twelve outdoor recovery zones can house injured koalas and other wildlife during their rehabilitation. A large browse plantation at Werribee Open Range Zoo will provide a critical food source for wildlife patients.

The Victorian Government has invested $62.2 million into biodiversity recovery from the Black Summer bushfires, which burnt around 1.5 million hectares across Victoria – impacting threatened species and their unique habitats, including around 78% of the remaining Warm Temperate Rainforest in Victoria.

The RSPCA Koala Ward at Werribee Open Range Zoo is a $2.55 million project made possible by significant philanthropic support, including $1.5 million in donations to RSPCA following the Black Summer bushfires.

Victorian Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio advised “we’re protecting our native wildlife from the threat of bushfire, part of our record investment into Victoria’s precious biodiversity.”

RSPCA Victoria Chief Executive Dr Liz Walker adds “with increasing risk to significant numbers of native wildlife, we are delighted in this partnership that champions animal welfare and will benefit wildlife in Victoria's West as well as our wildlife response across the state.”

Image: Still from Zoos Victoria video