Wildlife care gets a boost

Sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in the Peel region have a better chance of survival thanks to a new three-year partnership between Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Alcoa. 

Alcoa’s support, through its Community Partnership Program, gives Mandurah Wildlife access to critical items required to support wildlife back to health at both its facility on Old Coast Road in Dawesville and among its network of wildlife carers across the Peel region. 

“The partnership funding from Alcoa means we can provide milk, food, medicine and veterinary services for the animals,” Mandurah Wildlife’s Jo Evans said. “We are extremely grateful to have Alcoa’s support for these essential items…and so are the animals.” 

Alcoa Environmental Specialist Dr Justine Barker recently visited Mandurah Wildlife and was impressed with what she saw. 

“I was heartened to witness the great work that this wonderful group of volunteers do,” Dr Barker said. I’m proud to work for a company that supports organisations like Mandurah Wildlife because I can see that it makes a tangible difference to more positive outcomes for the wildlife in their care. I also got to cuddle a cute possum, which was a bonus.”  

Ms Evans said while Alcoa’s support was a big boost, Mandurah Wildlife needed more volunteers.

“We need the help of volunteers to help the centre stay open,” she said.

“Volunteering is a very rewarding experience and can include animal care, cleaning, maintenance of grounds, helping out with fundraising events, admin or office work.

“Two of our main needs at this time are to develop a fundraising team with great ideas and motivation to come on board to help our fundraising coordinator organise and attend events and volunteers that have some animal training or experience to help out as shift supervisors.

“But all volunteers are welcome. If you have some time to give, please see our website and lodge an expression of interest. We would love to have you.”

 Each year, Alcoa provides about $4.4 million to help community groups and activities near where it operates its two bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in the south west of WA.