The Australian Wildlife Hospital opened in March 2004, operating from the modest confines of a small converted avocado-packing shed next to Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland. Until recently, the team of 20 staff (veterinary, nursing and administration) and a host of volunteers were accustomed to working in very close quarters, with every square metre of available space having a function.

The hospital was opened by Steve Irwin (1962–2006) in memory of his mother, 
Lyn Irwin. For Steve, the facility was the first step towards establishing the world’s largest wildlife hospital to honour Lyn, 
who had been a pioneer in wildlife care.

In November last year Steve’s dream was realised with the completion of a new hospital, its impressive size (1300m2) consolidating its status as the “world’s largest”. However, it is the building’s environmentally responsible construction elements that set it apart from other medical facilities, with the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior team going to great lengths to remain faithful to the organisation’s conservation ethos.

At the outset the team approached Andrew Webb of WD Architects in Cooran, recognising he had the right “green” design credentials to bring their vision to life. The result of their collaboration is an aesthetically pleasing, functional design that reflects the principles and practices of Wildlife Warriors. Webb describes the design as “modest, and subordinate to the ecosystem and cultural context”. He says the team “wanted to ensure the structure and form were kept simple so that resource and material use were kept low”.

The hospital is oriented to the north for shading in the warmer months and sun penetration into the building in the cooler months. Openings on the east and west sides of the building are minimised to avoid excessive heat gain and glare.

The internal structure has a high thermal mass, which, along with a highly insulating building shell, regulates and maintains comfortable internal temperatures and maximises the efficiency of the mechanical systems.There is extensive use of operable windows for natural ventilation to limit the mechanical ventilation required.

Materials that are natural, renewable or readily recyclable and have low toxicity and low-embodied energy (the amount of energy that has gone into producing the material) have been used wherever practical, including straw bale and rammed earth walls and low-toxicity paints. Twenty-five per cent fly-ash concrete has been used.

No timber from rainforests or other sensitive ecosystems has been used in the hospital. Timber use is limited to FSC-certified plantation pine and local farm forestry sources. In addition, timber doors and windows have been installed for their energy efficiency, while materials, fixtures and finishes have been selected and detailed for longevity.

Rainwater harvesting is also employed. The roof area is 1535m2 and collects 1535 litres for every 1mm of rain. There are water-efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings throughout.

The building has been designed to be as low-impact on the environment as possible. Natural daylight is maximised in areas of major use to limit the need for electric lighting, though energy-efficient lighting is used. Local and Australian products and services are used where possible to limit greenhouse gas emissions and embodied energy from transport. The design also exhibits “constructability” (a system that optimises a building’s performance while limiting waste and material use). The design allows universal accessibility.

The $5 million project has expanded the surgical, rehabilitation, research and training capabilities of the hospital, which offers a lifeline to more than 30 animal species by providing sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with medical treatment and rehabilitation before their return to the wild. Last year it treated around 6000 animals but now has the capacity to admit 10,000 patients annually, 70 per cent of whom are victims of car accidents or attacks by domestic pets.

The hospital has strong links with universities and wildlife organisations and is committed to sharing its extensive knowledge of native animals and best-care practices to the veterinary students and wildlife trainees who undertake practical work experience and coursework at the hospital. The hospital also conducts research into koala diseases, migration patterns and wildlife health management.

While the Australian Government contributed $2.5 million to the capital cost of the hospital project, the ongoing cost of running the hospital is met by major sponsor Australia Zoo and the hospital’s fundraising efforts.

BEAR NECESSITIES

In addition to treating sick, injured and orphaned koalas, the Australian Wildlife Hospital conducts research into koala diseases, migration patterns and wildlife health management. The facility has strong links with universities and is committed to sharing its knowledge of native animals.

wildlifewarriors.org