In association with FAWNA NSW, Dolphin Marine Rescue Animal Rehab Trust was delighted to receive the Wildlife Heroes Grant from the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. This grant enabled the construction of a purpose-built pool and enclosure to rehabilitate long-nosed fur seals.

The new facility was completed in June and has already benefited two juvenile New Zealand Fur Seals, Felix and Noah. Felix suffered a severe bite from a cookie-cutter shark and spent nearly two months recovering in our new facility. With the help of the specialist team at Dolphin Marine Rescue and the new facility where he could swim and rest on the surrounding deck, Felix’s wound healed, and he regained his strength. It was heart-warming for our team and volunteers involved in his rescue and recovery to see Felix released back to the ocean off the Coffs Coast in August.

Noah is still recovering from injuries caused by a suspected water-craft strike. But with the benefit of the new pool, he is making good progress. The team hopes Noah will be released into the ocean soon.

In addition to rehabilitating seals, the new facility has also assisted in recuperating large seabirds, including a pelican, petrel and cormorant.

The new space is a valuable asset to Dolphin Marine Rescue Animal Rehab Trust, FAWNA NSW and other rescue services on the Coffs Coast. It allows the team to provide the highest care to marine mammals and other marine wildlife. And, it helps ensure these animals have the best chance of returning to the wild.

We’re grateful to the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife for the Wildlife Heroes Grant. The rehabilitation pool and enclosure is making a real difference in improving the chances of survival of injured marine animals and boosting the confidence of volunteers who work to save them.