Esperance Wildlife Hospital: A Beacon of Hope for Native Wildlife

A New Era of Wildlife Care

The Esperance Wildlife Hospital, built thanks to the DPIRD 2024 Animal Welfare Grant, is witnessing a remarkable increase in wildlife being rescued and rehabilitated. Since its opening in May 2025, the hospital has just admitted its 100th patient.

Esperance Wildlife Hospital building and penning

Officially inaugurated on Friday, 2 May 2025, community members have rallied support behind this new facility. The construction was made possible thanks to the generous backing of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) 2024 Animal Welfare Grant. This vital funding enabled the construction of a crucial 54 square meter building along with an additional 100 square meters of penning and flight aviaries. This facility is dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife in the Goldfields-Esperance region. It is also the first wildlife hospital built outside the WA metro area.

"We are incredibly grateful to the DPIRD Animal Welfare Grant program," said Lori-Ann Shibish, a local wildlife carer and member of Western Australian Seabird Rescue. Ms. Shibish cares for a diverse range of vulnerable wildlife, including orphaned ducklings, botulism-affected birds, fledgling shearwaters requiring assistance after becoming disoriented by urban lights, Cape Barron Geese with no road sense, raptors, bats, possums, and marsupials.

Specialised wildlife hospital equipment

Emergency wildlife rescue equipment

Interior of "Esperance Wildlife Hospital"

A incoming patient being weighed in the "Esperance Wildlife Hospital"

A patient - Australian Raven - being cared for in the "Esperance Wildlife Hospital"

"Humane World For Animals" staff inspect the newly opened "Esperance Wildlife Hospital"

Magpie in care at the "Esperance Wildlife Hospital"

Emergency Biosecurity Grab Kit in the "Esperance Wildlife Hospital"

Transformative Impact of Funding

The DPIRD funding has supported the establishment of this critical wildlife hospital building and associated intensive care equipment. Additionally, it has facilitated community capacity-building programs. These enhancements have significantly improved our ability to respond effectively to the needs of our precious native animals. This is especially true for species unique to the South Coast region, such as Cape Barron Geese and Penguins. We were also able to run two specialist courses: Basic Handling and Rescue Techniques for Seabirds and Oiled Wildlife Response, training a total of 40 community volunteers.

The urgent need for a dedicated wildlife hospital in Esperance became apparent when Ms. Shibish began accommodating an increasing number of wildlife on her enclosed porch. The arrival of three lost Fiordland Penguins in 2023 starkly highlighted Esperance's importance for unique wildlife. "The challenges of caring for seabirds, with their strong-smelling fish diet and guano, truly underscored the necessity for a proper wildlife hospital. My partner Colin, while incredibly supportive, understandably objected to sharing our shower with smelly penguins!" laughed Ms. Shibish.

"The DPIRD funding has been transformative," she explained. "It has not only enabled us to enhance our facilities to accommodate a wider range and greater number of animals, but it has also empowered our community. The resulting growth in our volunteer team, thanks to the funds for training, has been truly remarkable."

Community Involvement and Scientific Advancement

Beyond essential emergency care equipment and expert training, this initiative cultivates crucial community involvement. It also enables the collection of scientific data vital for advancing wildlife knowledge across the Esperance-Goldfields region. The Esperance Wildlife Hospital, a registered business with the ATO, is now equipped with two emergency response grab kits—one for Oiled Wildlife and another for Avian Flu Biosecurity.

Future Projects

Our next key project is the construction of an ablution and laundry block. This will ensure the long-term well-being of our dedicated volunteers and foster a more sustainable operation. This facility will allow us to eliminate the use of disposable towels and bedding, representing a significant step towards an environmentally responsible operation.

Donations are welcome to help support the fit-out of the new Esperance Wildlife Hospital and the purchase of supplies to assist in the rehabilitation of wildlife. Your contributions will play a crucial role in our mission to protect and conserve the native wildlife of the Esperance-Goldfields area.

In conclusion, the Esperance Wildlife Hospital stands as a testament to what can be achieved through community support and dedicated funding. Together, we can ensure the long-term survival of threatened species and restore their natural habitats.