Donate Today
Donate Today
Every animal in our care relies on your support. We receive no government funding, so every dollar donated goes directly towards the care of marine and terrestrial animals, many of them endangered.
The Sanctuary rescues and cares for more than 200 marine animals each year, including turtles, dolphins, seals, marine birds, and more.
Your tax-deductible donation to the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary will go directly towards ensuring that we can continue this work. Your support means that we can respond to rescues faster, provide vital medical treatment, and give these animals a second chance at life.
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Nikki the green sea Turtle
Nikki, a sub-adult green sea turtle, arrived at the Sanctuary in January after being found stranded at Gallows Beach, entangled in debris and suffering from float syndrome. Under the care of the Sanctuary team, Nikki recovered from float syndrome, but the journey to full rehabilitation revealed a greater challenge—one of the flippers was too badly damaged to heal and required surgery before release.
Although sea turtles can adapt to life with three flippers, Nikki needed surgery to safely return to the wild, and we reached out to the Coffs Harbour community for support.
With funds raised, and the support of Woolgoolga Vet Clinic, Nikki underwent surgery for the delicate procedure in July 2024, successfully removing the remains of the damaged flipper. Despite the risks associated with anaesthesia in marine animals, Nikki recovered well and continued to grow stronger in care.
Over the following six months, she progressed to the Sanctuary’s deepest pool, gaining strength alongside other turtles preparing for release, including resident turtle Rudolph. After more than a year of rehabilitation, Nikki was ready.
On 6 April, Nikki was released back into the ocean at North Wall Beach by City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, a milestone made possible thanks to strong community support. Nikki’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience of marine life and the impact of local conservation efforts.
Our Reach
The Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary comes to the aid of hundreds of marine animals off the coast of Northern New South Wales each year, spanning from Yamba and Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie.
Your support is vital
The Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary team of rescue staff and volunteers rely on your support to keep doing the work that we do. Donate today, or become a volunteer and help us continue to rescue, rehabilitate and care for injured and endangered marine wildlife.
