The Wildcare Rescue Vehicle has been operational since late June 2024 and is affectionately known as the ‘Kanga’ — a symbol of collaboration, care and commitment to protecting Gold Coast wildlife.
Thanks to the generous support of the City of Gold Coast, through Council’s Our Natural City Strategy 2032 and Naturally Unique theme in the Council Plan, Wildcare Australia Inc. was provided with a Renault Kangoo to serve as a dedicated wildlife rescue vehicle. In an extraordinary show of ongoing commitment, the City of Gold Coast has also funded the vehicle’s maintenance, fuel and insurance, ensuring the Kanga can remain on the road when wildlife needs it most.
The Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation has played an equally vital role by funding the wages of paid rescue officers who staff the vehicle. These highly skilled rescue officers, working alongside a passionate team of volunteers, proudly form the ‘Kanga Team’ — a group dedicated to delivering rapid, professional and compassionate wildlife rescue services across the region.
Since becoming operational, the Kanga Team has responded to more than 2,100 wildlife rescue calls, including complex and high-risk rescues involving koalas, echidnas, bats, venomous snakes and raptors. This specialised service has significantly reduced pressure on volunteer rescuers, allowing more of them to focus their time and expertise on the rehabilitation and recovery of injured wildlife.
Wildcare Australia Inc. is deeply grateful to the City of Gold Coast and the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation for their outstanding support. Their investment is not only strengthening wildlife rescue capacity, but is making a meaningful and lasting difference for native wildlife across the Gold Coast.
The Wildcare Rescue Vehicle Operates:
During the busy Spring and Summer months, the Wildcare Rescue Vehicles operates from 7.30am to 9.00pm, 7 days a week.
During the rest of the year, the Rescue Vehicle operates from 7.30am to 9.00pm on weekends and public holidays and from 3.00pm to 9.00pm through the week.
