Sponsor A Marine Turtle
Did you know? It costs around $1500 to rescue a marine turtle?
Pledge your support
A tax-deductible gift to the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary will ensure that we can continue to look after our animals, and continue to operate in the Coffs Harbour community as a centre of excellence in marine animal conservation, research, education and visitor interest.
Each year, the Sanctuary rehabilitates and releases more than 400 marine animals each year. And we fund this entirely at the Sanctuary.
Without the Sanctuary, the vital rescue and rehabilitation service ceases to exist.
The green Sea Turtle
Meet Nikki
Nikki was found in Boambee Beach in January, entangled in fishing line with an injured flipper, requiring immediate rehabilitation from float syndrome and malnourishment.
Experience has shown that turtles can navigate the ocean with one less flipper. However, Nikki required a surgical procedure to ensure her safe return to her natural habitat.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Coffs Coast Community, the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary was able to raise the necessary funds for Nikki’s surgery. The sanctuary has also been able to fit Nikki with an acoustic tracker, which will provide important data and insights into the behavioural patterns of the species.
Post-Surgery
Nikki received further months of recuperation, and is due for release in March 2024 after a year of rehabilitation at the Sanctuary.
What We Do
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary has been a haven for marine animals, education, research and conversation in Coffs Harbour for more than five decades.
The Wildlife Sanctuary is the only facility of its kind in New South Wales.
Each year, the Sanctuary rehabilitates and releases more than 400 marine animals each year. And we fund this entirely at the Sanctuary.
Without the Sanctuary, the vital rescue and rehabilitation service ceases to exist.
Rescue
We attend more than 100 turtle rescues each year, plus birds, seals and other sea life, from Taree to the Gold Coast.
Rehabilitation
We are the only facility in NSW licensed to rescue and rehabilitate dolphins, and on of only two licensed to rescue and rehabilitate seals.
Sanctuary
We are a sanctuary for more than 50 animals unfit to be released into the wild.
Release
Coffs Coast marine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services are largely resourced by the Park, including our team, volunteers and expenses.
Endangered Species Management Programs
We are an accredited provider of essential breeding programs for the endangered Australian Sea Lion and vulnerable Little Blue Penguin.
Education
Our hands-on practical and theoretical education programs have been essential to more than 3000 tertiary graduates in marine animal sciences, care and conservation.
Research
We collect vital data in conjunction with universities, building knowledge on issues impacting sea life, including dolphins, seals, turtles and penguins.
Top Donors
Alice Smidt
Robyn Kaser
Hunter Leonard
Natalie Ryan
Carlie Horne
Annette Penny
Dianne Kilbride
HUNTER LEONARD
Janet Lewis
Gail Begbie
Laura Spooner
Karen Bell
Our Supporters
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organisation, which receives no ongoing government support. So we rely on people like you to support us by visiting or donating.
We are also proud to be supported by a number of local businesses, who have generously donated to us.
