Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre the city's first from 2014 taking in native animals for treatment

The 10,000th patient at Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre (bottom image), Spikey the echidna (top left, gets eye treatment after being found in the northern suburbs. Top centre: A tiny sugar glider tended by a nurse. Top right: A koala on the mend at the centre.
Image courtesy Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre

Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre, in the midst of city suburbia on Anzac Highway at Plympton reached a milestone in 2022 of giving free vet care to its 10,000th patient from South Australia’s wildlife of South Australia.  

With the help of Rae Campbell and many other dedicated supporters, small-animal veterinarian Dr Phil Hutt opened what was Adelaide’s first wildlife treatment centre in 2014.

Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre provided free emergency vet services to injured, ill or orphaned wildlife. After being rehabilitated, the animals were released in the wild, working closely with other rescue and conservation groups. Where appropriate, the centre also  arrange long-term care for animals that couldn't be released directly back into the wild.

The centre also took part in a wide variety of educational programmes for students, carers, veterinary students and the public. Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre also supported research into the medical treatments and key health factors for koalas to help ensure their long-term survival.  

The not-for-profit centre relied solely on the generosity of others including financial and in-kind support. Its team of veterinarians and nurses were supported by  dedicated volunteers and wildlife rescuers and care groups.