Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Open for Business

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has opened its doors to provide full-time specialist care for injured and traumatised wildlife with a veterinary team led by wildlife specialist Dr Bree Talbot. From 28 September 2020, the not-for-profit Wildlife Hospital will operate full-time veterinary services from their Lennox Head branch. They will admit, diagnose and treat native animals including mammals, birds, reptiles and marine life. “I’m delighted to join such a highly experienced team of veterinarians,” said Dr Bree.

“Their combined knowledge and experience inspire my commitment to give vulnerable native animals all the specialist care they need to get them back into the wild where they belong,” 

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation Veterinarian Dr Bree Talbot with an Australian possum.

“From today any member of the public who encounters distressed native animals should call our dedicate Wildlife Hospital phone number 0437 818 883. We’ll provide immediate advice on what to do so we can admit them as patients and hopefully save lives.”

“The work has started already, as I’m currently assessing a young magpie with a twisted leg, a baby blue-tongue lizard that has been attacked, and a freshwater turtle that’s swallowed a fish hook.” said Dr Bree, who is joined by Veterinary Nurse Hayley Corrigan to assist with wildlife patient care.

Dr Bree joins Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital from the University of Sydney’s Avian Reptile And Exotic Pet Hospital where she has specialised in the medical care of exotic pets and wildlife including koalas, wombats, reptiles and many different bird species. She is a Member and Examiner of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Unusual pet medicine and surgery. “Dr Bree’s talents, compassion and experience working in bushfire-affected areas to treat badly injured animals are the reasons she is our full-time Foundation Vet,” said Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil.   

In a turbulent year, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has attracted support from the United Nations, Wild Ark, Odonata and World Animal Protection and inspired the generosity of hundreds of people around the world who contributed over $574,000 to build the organisation’s Mobile Wildlife Hospital, scheduled for completion in November. The organisation also secured international rock star Iggy Pop’s pet cockatoo Biggy Pop as its founding Patron. “We’re delighted with this support, and are committed to meeting the high demand for specialist care of our voiceless wildlife,” said Dr Van Mil. 

“Unfortunately, no one pays the expensive veterinary bills to provide this care, so we need ongoing funding support through charitable donations. All contributions small or large are vital, and go directly to saving wildlife.”