Wildlife - Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital

Caring for Wildlife

Mount Barker Wildlife Hospital (MBWH): Transforming Wildlife Care

The Mount Barker Wildlife Hospital (MBWH) is dedicated to providing world-class care for Australia’s unique native wildlife. Although the wildlife hospital is currently in the planning phase, we are actively working to establish advanced infrastructure, acquire specialized veterinary equipment, and invest in upskilling our dedicated team. These advancements will ensure we deliver the highest standard of medical care for injured, orphaned, and ill wildlife in the Great Southern region and beyond.

At the heart of MBWH is Dr. Theresa, a highly experienced and passionate leader whose unwavering commitment to wildlife welfare defines our mission. Guided by the belief that all wildlife deserve the same respect, compassion, and quality of care as any other animal, MBWH goes to extraordinary lengths to save every life that comes into our care. Euthanasia is considered only as an absolute last resort, with every effort focused on rehabilitation and returning animals to their natural habitats.

Our vision for the wildlife hospital extends beyond immediate care. By supporting wildlife carers and promoting conservation, MBWH aims to establish a facility that serves as a beacon of hope for both wildlife and the community. Plans include the incorporation of state-of-the-art tools like X-ray machines and CT scanners, enabling precise treatments for complex cases while alleviating the pressure on overwhelmed facilities in Perth.

Although the physical facility is not yet operational, MBWH is firmly committed to laying the groundwork for this vital initiative. Your support will help us create a transformative hub for wildlife care that benefits Australia’s native animals, the environment, and the community. Together, we can ensure every animal has a chance to recover and thrive, safeguarding the natural heritage of the Great Southern region for generations to come.

Two Red Wattlebirds (Anthochaera carunculata) arrived at the Mount Barker Wildlife Hospital with feather loss and needed specialised care. Under the care of our skilled wildlife vet nurse, they regained their strength and feathers before being transferred to a local rehabilitation sanctuary. Both birds were subsequently released back into the wild—healthy and thriving! 🐦✨

This Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) was brought into the Mount Barker Wildlife Hospital after being fed an inappropriate diet and then abandoned in the bush. Magpies require specialised care, as they are highly social birds that thrive within their own flocks. Improper care and isolation can severely impact their health and survival skills.

Under the expert attention of our wildlife vet nurse, she regained her strength and was transferred to a registered rehabilitation sanctuary. There, she will continue her recovery and prepare for a successful release back into the wild with a new flock, where she can once again enjoy the companionship and structure essential to magpie life.

At MBWH, we are committed to ensuring the best outcomes for every animal in our care. We work exclusively with rehabilitators registered with DBCA to provide every chance for wildlife to heal, thrive, and return to their natural environments.

This 4.5 kg male Western Grey joey (Macropus fuliginosus) was admitted to MBWH on a Sunday afternoon after being rescued from hanging in a fence, where he had likely been for several days. Upon initial examination and X-rays, no major damage was detected, although he exhibited muscle and tendon tenderness, along with a lack of sensation in his left leg.

After being handed over to a registered carer, he was treated with meloxicam and underwent infrared radiation therapy. However, he returned with a swollen foot, and subsequent X-rays revealed a severe fracture. It was decided that surgery was the best course of action, and Dr. James successfully placed four pins in his foot to stabilise the injury.

Over the following eight weeks, with multiple cast changes to accommodate his growth, and the supportive strapping removed two weeks later, this joey made a remarkable recovery. Today, he is fully healed—a confident, happy boy who is on schedule for soft release at the end of the year, where he will join a new mob, including his brothers.

At MBWH, every life matters, and each challenge is approached with expertise and determination. Through our skilled veterinary care and the carer’s dedication to following treatment instructions, this joey was spared from euthanasia and given the opportunity to live his best life back in the wild.

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