Magnetic Island's Injured Wildlife Have New Clinic

Pictured above: L-R Paul Groves co ordinator of MINT, Kellie Whitby Superintendent Metallurgical Process, Glencore’s Copper Refinery and Member for Townville Hon Scott Stewart MP at the opening of clinic with Charlie the turtle who is curently in care at the facility.

Last Saturday saw the official opening of Magnetic Island’s newest wildlife care centre, the Yunbenun Land and Sea Wildlife Clinic.

Located adjacent to the MINT Turtle Clinic facility in Horseshoe Bay, the wildlife clinic is available for use by other wildlife care organisations on Magnetic Island.

Pictured above: Paul Groves addresses those who attended the opening.

MINT was successful in obtaining two grants for the purpose built facility for the treatment of sick and injured turtles and other wildlife. The Queensland Gambling Benefit Fund provided funds for the mobile building and Glencore provided funds for the fit out with stainless steel benches and medical equipment to the value of $100,000.

The Hon Scott Stewart MP (representing the QGBF) and Kellie Whitby, Superintendent Metallurgical Process, Glencore’s Copper Refinery (representing Glencore) cut the ribbons for the official facility launch.

Fifty people from across the island attended the launch.

MINT co ordinator Paul Groves told the MCN “This facility is a tribute to our islands dedicated wildlife carers, who work around the clock rescuing and caring for our sick and injured wildlife.”

Pictured above: Paul Groves, Kellie Whitby & Scott Stewart MP.

MINT has been working with the islands wildlife carer groups to make it suitable for all of the islands wildlife, including MINTs sea turtles.

Additional funding was also obtained from Ergon which allowed an upgrade to our fridge and washing machine.

“MINT now has capacity to care for up to 7 sea turtles at one time, a capacity we hope never to use” Mr Groves said.

Pictured above: Charlie who has been in care at the MINT facility for the past 2 months.