Sea World wins $10m wildlife hospital
The Sea World Foundation will receive a world-class $10 million marine hospital courtesy of the State Government.
The hospital, which will be open to the public, will be equipped to rescue and treat marine life including dolphins, sharks, seals, whales and birds.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the commitment would enable the Sea World Foundation to continue its marine conservation work.
“Our $10 million in funding means more animals can be rehabilitated and released on the Gold Coast, where dangers like boat propellers pose a threat to native wildlife,” Mr Powell said.
“Combining conservation and education, we’ll be saving more animals while giving the public an opportunity to witness our veterinarians and marine scientists at work.
“The marine hospital will also create a unique ecotourism experience for the Gold Coast, a sector in which our Destination 2045 20-year tourism plan has set a clear goal to become a world leader.”
Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby said the project would allow the Sea World team to have an even greater impact on Australian marine life.
“For more than 30 years, Sea World has been at the forefront of marine rescue and rehabilitation efforts around Australia,’’ Mr Kirby said.
“The state-of-the-art marine hospital and conservation hub will allow our specialised veterinary and marine animal experts to help more animals, and educate the millions of guests who visit Sea World on conservation efforts to minimise impacts on the environment.
“Last year alone, we rescued more than 400 individual marine animals, ranging from whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, seabirds and sea snakes, and with animal rescues on the rise, this new facility will greatly expand our capabilities.”
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