World-first centre opens at Healesville Sanctuary

16 December 2005

"Healesville Sanctuary's new Australian Wildlife Health Centre is a world-first that takes visitors to a new level of experience," Zoos Victoria CEO, Laura Mumaw, said today.
"The $6 million State Government-funded veterinary facility was the biggest project for the Sanctuary since its foundation," Ms Mumaw said.

Visitors will enter a real working hospital environment, engage with veterinary staff and see first-hand all the previously behind-the-scenes areas including the operating theatre, laboratory, emergency and post-mortem zones, care and recovery wards, and rehabilitation and release areas.

In the Centre's interactive environment, visitors will have the opportunity to:
· Engage with vets as they assess and treat injured animals undergoing surgery;
· Listen to the heartbeats of eight species of wild animals through a 'stethophone' and compare it to their own on a pulse oximeter;
· Diagnose and solve real wildlife cases using interactive microscopes;
· Use a radio tracking antenna to track an animal and learn about reintroduction to the wild;
· Discover the top 10 rescue tips if you happen to find yourself involved in a wildlife emergency on a roadside.

"We're excited about inspiring people to connect with wildlife and thank our supporters who have helped us achieve this vision," Ms Mumaw said.

Zoos Victoria has forged a $1 million, five-year partnership with RACV to support the AWHC. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has contributed $300,000 towards multimedia and website support and Friends of the Zoos have also contributed $250,000.

 

For further information contact:
Nicole Humble
Communications Manager
nhumble@zoo.org.au 
Ph. 5957 2856
Mob. 0437 170 566