The Kea is a protected species that lives in forests and mountainous areas across the South Island. They are known as cheeky birds, watch out!
About us
The Wildlife Veterinary Trust is a charitable trust founded in 2007. The Trust saw the need for and established a hospital facility in Christchurch dedicated to treating and rehabilitating sick and injured native birds in the South Island of New Zealand.
Prior to this there was no such facility in the South Island. Many endangered birds needing medical care, such as kea and kiwi, were flown to the North Island for treatment. The time and travel involved in sending these birds north meant that they were exposed to additional stress and delays in treatment, which can impact significantly on their survival. Having a South Island facility allows prompt, professional and specialised treatment of these valuable species.
Since opening its doors to patients in December 2014, the South Island Wildlife Hospital has successfully treated, rehabilitated and released many wild and native birds. You can follow their stories on the Hospital's Facebook page.
Volunteering at the Hospital
The hospital has a large team of trained volunteers led by experienced veterinarians. Our volunteers are passionate about our wildlife and take on all aspects of the hospital's day-to- day operations including:
- covering rostered shifts at the hospital
- assisting with the treatment of sick and injured native birds
- manning the phone
- maintaining the hospital gardens and facilities
- helping with fundraising
- public speaking, education, training, and research
- everything else involved with keeping the hospital running.
Do you want to become a volunteer? Find out more!
Our Trustees
Dave Matheson
Trustee & Veterinarian
Jordan Frizzell
Trustee
Karen Talbot
Trustee
Michele Hood
Trustee
Pauline Howard
Trustee, Veterinarian & Building Maintenance Coordinator
Our Staff
Tyne Becker
Volunteer Coordinator
Brian Curtis
Treasurer
Deb Casutt
Secretary