A Perth wildlife centre says its busiest two years in history caring for injured and sick animals has forced it to issue a public appeal for funding.
Director of operations Dean Huxley told PerthNow WA Wildlife’s admission rate had almost doubled in the past two years and an increase in bushfires, urban sprawl and rampant disease among wildlife were all behind the escalation.
“We’ve seen a massive increase in fishing line entanglements — we’re probably admitting close to 1000 seabirds and waterbirds a year and a good portion of those come in with fishing line entanglements,” he said.
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“A lot of things weren’t uncommon but weren’t rife, whereas virtually every day we’ll have birds that are coming in paralysed and suffering different diseases causing different things.”
Mr Huxley said the soaring admission rate was straining the organisation.
“It’s just been an absolute impact, not only on our financial situation but on the volunteers and staff from a mental health point of view,” he said.
“It’s really just had a massive impact on the organisation.
“For us, it really is just about keeping doors open to how critical our financial situation has been in the last few months with all these big admission takes.”
One of these recent financial strains came from caring for the treatment and rehabilitation of 55 pelicans involved in an oil spill last year.
“The difficulty with that one is authorities were never able to actually identify where the oil came from,” Mr Huxley said.
“We had to wash most of the birds anywhere from four to eight times because the oil was so old.”
Under environmental legislation, the lack of cause meant the centre received no funding to help pay for the recovery costs despite racking up a $30,000 bill to care for the pelicans.
The animal hospital launched an emergency appeal for funds last week, citing stretched budgets and a team of volunteers committed to helping animals.
By Tuesday, more than $40,000 had been donated.
The not-for-profit group was also at risk during a bushfire that threatened Adventure World and nearby properties in Bibra Lake last week.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency evacuation warning on Tuesday, with WA Wildlife and its animals kept on standby for evacuation before the fire was contained.
Mr Huxley said the group had now completed its walks in the damaged areas with fire authorities.
“Unfortunately, the only animals we’ve found have been deceased,” he said.
“Speaking to some of the firies there, they have said it was such a hot one, its unlikely anything would have survived that.”
Donations can be made online at wawildlife.org.au/.