03-07-2025
Wildlife rescue centres in WA's outback close due to lack of funding
Two wildlife sanctuaries in Western Australia's far north are set to close, sparking concerns about how injured and orphaned animals will be cared for.
Nestled in an outback town in the Kimberley, Derby Native Wildlife has rehabilitated various native wildlife from flying foxes to crocodiles.
Meanwhile Lisa's Kangaroo Retreat, in the Pilbara town of Port Hedland, has been caring for injured kangaroos and drawing in tourists for nearly two decades.
Now both these rescue, rehabilitation and release centres are closing, citing rising costs and little support in the face of growing demand, in a trend reflected across the state.
The decision to close Derby Native Wildlife has plagued owner Heidi Sampey, keeping her awake at night as she worries about the fate of local wildlife.
But Ms Sampey said the 24/7 job has taken an emotional, physical and financial toll which she could no longer sustain.
"It's not a decision I've taken easily, it's been a lot of heartfelt thinking and my major concern is what's going to happen to the animals found from now?" she said.
Ms Sampey has been running the non-profit centre with the help of her partner, Ray Sampey, for over a decade.
It was financed in part through donations and grants, but primarily paid for out of Ms Sampey's own pocket.
"I love it but I just can't keep doing it by myself and without financial help. I can't keep money pouring in out of my own pockets," she said.
The sanctuary released about 100 rehabilitated animals a year and Ms Sampey said operating costs were a couple of thousand dollars a month, including veterinary bills, food and transport.
"There's no government funding unfortunately, we're on our own even though we're licensed through Parks and Wildlife … still financially we're responsible for everything," she said.
Rescue centres are often a safe haven when tourists and locals find injured animals on the outback's vast roads.
The closest sanctuary once Ms Sampey closes will be over 200 kilometres to the west in Broome and over 900km to the east in Kununurra.
Ms Sampey said she planned to close in phases, in the hope someone might put up their hand to take over.
Lisa Rose, in Port Hedland, has released 906 joeys and kangaroos since starting her centre 18 years ago, and is known locally as the "roo lady".
"I shouldn't have to beg, borrow and plead for money that belongs to the community," she said.
"They should just be giving it to me, I'm looking after their wildlife."
Ms Rose said it cost $1.2 million a year to run the centre, three-quarters of which was funded through her cleaning company.
Despite the financial struggle, she said the decision to close the centre was incredibly difficult and had been five years in the making.
She said she would be "one big sad mess" when the centre's front sign came down.
Animals currently in care at Derby Native Wildlife and Lisa's Kangaroo Retreat will either be released or transferred to the few remaining sanctuaries in WA's far north.
In a statement, the WA government said it valued the work of wildlife rehabilitators and would continue to support grant applications.
"Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions staff can assist with triage and prioritisation of fauna to appropriate facilities and people," the statement said.
"The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions does not employ staff to collect and rehabilitate native fauna and is greatly appreciative of the great work fauna rehabilitators do."
