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The construction of the main building for the $14 million Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s new Wildlife Hospital is now well underway with Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director, Steve Hinks advising “the construction has really progressed well despite the challenging COVID-19 situation and the ongoing wet weather experienced in Dubbo."

The concrete slab for the buildings in the precinct is now complete and the structural steel and timber purlins for the main building have been installed. The roof installation is underway as well as the structural steel for the grand verandah. The animal rehabilitation enclosures behind the main building are also progressing well.

Hinks adds “the new Wildlife Hospital will allow us to expand the critical work of our veterinary team in their care for injured and sick wildlife and provide an educational opportunity to guests and school students about the service it provides our region and preventative health care programs.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW and Local State Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders notes “the construction is really on the home stretch now for this new facility and it’s great to see the progress that has been made over the past year.

“The new Wildlife Hospital is a valuable service for western and central western NSW providing critical care for injured and sick wildlife.”

As part of the new Wildlife Hospital precinct a Regent Honeyeater aviary is also being constructed so that guests can learn about this critically endangered species and the zoo-based conservation breeding program to save them from extinction.

The new Wildlife Hospital is set to be a unique aspect of the overall zoo experience, allowing guests to see the Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital team in action and learn about wildlife conservation.

Over the coming months windows, doors and wall cladding will be installed and external landscaping such as paths and walkways will commence as well as the electrical and mechanical services for the main building and animal rehabilitation areas.

Construction of the new Wildlife Hospital is due for completion by mid-2022 with the Wildlife Hospital team moving into the new facility shortly after. Construction of the Wildlife Hospital is funded by the NSW Government. The project is also supported by philanthropic donations to expand the critical work of the veterinary team in their care for injured and sick wildlife, as well as conservation and preventative health care programs.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital has assessed and treated over 700 wildlife cases in the last 12 months. The new purpose-built Wildlife Hospital will also dramatically enhance the Zoo’s capacity and capability to respond to wildlife emergencies such as drought, bushfire and flood, as well as be a valuable teaching institution for veterinary students.

To support the critical services of the Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo and the ongoing work the team undertake to conserve wildlife please donate at taronga.org.au/donate/wildlife-hospitals.

Image: Taronga Zoo Green Turtle in Wildlife Hospital. Credit Paul Fahy

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