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Wildlife Hospital

Plan your visit

  • Allow

    Approximately 20–30 minutes to explore

  • Things to see and do

    Hospital observation windows, walk in aviary, research labs and more. 

  • Accessibility

    Fully accessible with sealed and unsealed pathways with gentle slopes, ramps and amphitheatre seating at observation windows. 

Healing the Wild

The Wildlife Hospital treats and cares for hundreds of Zoo and wild native animals every year and plays a critical role in all of Taronga’s conservation programs.

The new hospital has increased Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s capacity to treat and rehabilitate native wildlife, improve its ability to act as first responders in emergencies and play a pivotal role in conservation programs for critically endangered species such as Greater Bilbies, Plains-wanderers, Chuditch and Regent Honeyeaters.

Daily Schedule

See firsthand how Taronga cares for an array of animals with previously ‘behind-the-scenes’ hospital activities now accessible to you and all guests to the Zoo. From animal check-ups to surgeries and procedures, you can now see it all as it takes place. Check out the schedule below to see what is happening at the Wildlife Hospital during your Zoo visit.*

Date Time Procedure
    No scheduled procedures
     
     

*Please note – The Wildlife Hospital is a working hospital, and just like any hospital, emergencies happen. These may result in last minute changes to the schedule. On some days there may not be much on at the hospital as, for many animals in our care, their procedures need to happen at their habitats. You can still visit and explore the precinct.

**Start time may vary due to animal behaviour, we will endeavour to provide updates where possible.

We strongly recommend checking this page on the day of your visit for the most up to date information. Thank you for your understanding. 

First responders and last line of defence

Each year, Taronga’s two Wildlife Hospitals receive more than 1,500 native wildlife cases in need of care, from raptors and Platypus through to Koalas and marine turtles. ​

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Taronga’s Wildlife Hospitals are the largest provider of wildlife veterinary services in NSW.​

15,000

Vets and vet nurses trained in wildlife care across Australia since the Black Summer bushfires.

5,000

Downloads across the world of Taronga’s online bushfire training module.

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Injured koalas cared for during the Black Summer Bushfires by experts from Taronga’s Wildlife Hospitals.

Wildlife Hospital Tour

See how our vets heal the wild as you go behind-the-scenes at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

There’s a lot more to the Taronga Wildlife Hospital than meets the eye. Led by our knowledgeable guide, you’ll venture behind the scenes to learn about how our vets treat creatures great and small, and how science is shaping the future of our conservation efforts.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. General admission tickets to Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo must be purchased separately.

How we heal the wild 

How you can help

Donate today to support the critical treatment and rehabilitation work of Dubbo's Wildlife Hospital.

Donate

Wildlife Treatment & Rehabilitation

Sick and injured native animals like Koalas and raptors are often brought in for treatment from upwards of five hours away from where they were injured – a testament to how vital this facility is in a regional area like Dubbo.
 
The new Wildlife Hospital will increase capacity for treatment and rehabilitation, improve first response times, and provide specialised equipment to treat burns and dehydration. It also includes dedicated facilities for Koalas and a rehabilitation flight tunnel to help raptors and other birds prepare for release.

Top tips to help injured wildlife

If you ever come across injured wildlife, it's best to follow these top tips.

View map

Use the Zoo Map to find precincts and pit stops and plan your route around the Zoo circuit.

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