Guests at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will be able to see first-hand how Taronga cares for injured and sick animals at a brand new Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo.
Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the new $14.6 million facility is increasing Taronga's capacity to treat and rehabilitate native wildlife and improving the Zoo's ability to act as first responders for animals in emergencies.
"Taronga Western Plains Zoo receives 300,000 visitors every year, and is home to some of the world-leading experts in veterinary medicine - now they have a hospital to match!" Mr Saunders said.
"Guests will be given a unique insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes, treating not only the zoo's residents, including critically-endangered species like Greater Bilbies, Plains Wanderers and Regent Honeyeaters, but native wildlife like koalas, reptiles, platypus and birds like raptors.
"This is the only dedicated wildlife hospital west of the Blue Mountains and these facilities cement Taronga Western Plains Zoo as the state's number one tourism destination!"
The new hospital has been specially designed with facilities to treat a range of wildlife, including specialised equipment for the treatment of burns and dehydration and facilities for the treatment of koalas.
The hospital will provide care for a unique array of animals - from Sumatran Tigers to tiny, critically endangered Plains-wanderers - but also play an important role as a wildlife teaching hospital.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director Steve Hinks said the Zoo's role as the state's number one tourism destination provides an amazing opportunity for storytelling.
"By drawing back the curtain and showing our guests what goes on in our hospital, we'll be able to forge connections with and recruit a future generation of champions, equipping them with the knowledge that they have the power to protect wildlife," Mr Hinks said.
The Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Dubbo forms part of the Wild Futures project which also includes an Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre and second Wildlife Hospital at Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
