New Zealand's first specialised wildlife rehabilitation centre is now open.

Located at the heart of Palmerston North’s Victoria Esplanade, Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery started to welcome visitors with a phased opening on 14 February.

Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery is designed to care for and rehabilitate ill and injured native animals before their release back into the wild.

While a few enhancements are still underway, the centre now houses recovery aviaries, a walkthrough aviary that is home to a variety of birds and tuatara, and breeding aviaries for the endangered whio (blue duck) and pāteke (brown teal). The Powerco Education Centre supports the facility’s education programme with displays about taonga welfare and conservation.

Visits and tours of the facility during the phased opening period are by appointment only. To make a booking, send an email to bookings@wildbaserecovery.co.nz. Entry is free.

Opening hours
• Wednesday to Friday: two 90-minute sessions each day – 1pm to 2.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm
• Saturday: four 90-minute sessions - 10am to 11.30am, 11.30am to 1pm, 1pm to 2.30pm, and 2.30pm to 4pm
The phased opening is part of the centre’s gradual approach to have its facilities fully operational. Once all enhancements are completed, Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery aims to fully open with daily visiting hours.

This effort is made possible through a unique collaboration between Massey University, the Palmerston North City Council, Rangitāne o Manawatū, the Department of Conservation and corporate sponsors.

For more information on Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery, visit the website.
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Supporting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uhVq-DXNPY

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