Construction has started on a new marine wildlife hospital at Sea World on the Gold Coast.
It is the first facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, providing specialist care for dolphins, whales, dugongs, rays, turtles, seabirds, sharks, and other marine wildlife.
The Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital is expected to open next year with specialist equipment to treat larger marine mammals, with vessels docked onsite for rapid deployment.
The Queensland Government has committed $39.6 million towards the facility.
The hospital will give Sea World visitors the opportunity to see marine conservation and rehabilitation in action.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital was one of five new and expanded wildlife hospitals in Queensland.
“Shovels are in the ground at Sea World, with work underway on a world-class marine wildlife hospital that will give more sick and injured wildlife the specialist care they need.” he said.
“This is a win for wildlife and a win for Queensland, supporting wildlife rehabilitation while creating new education opportunities and showcasing our conservation efforts to millions of visitors each year.”
Village Roadshow Group CEO Clark Kirby said Sea World at the forefront of marine rescue and rehabilitation for 30 years and this new project would allow its team to have an even greater impact on Australian marine life.
“We have already rescued hundreds of marine animals this year, ranging from whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, seabirds and sea snakes, and with marine wildlife being under more threat than before, this new facility will greatly expand our capabilities,” Mr Kirby said.
