Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

16/09/2026

🐧💙 Happy Birthday, Bluey! 💙🐧

Today, 16 September, we’re celebrating a very special birthday for Bluey, one of our gorgeous Little Blue Penguins! 🎂🎉

Bluey hatched on 16 September 2024, which means she is turning 2 years old today! 🥳🐧

Her name, Bluey, was chosen by a public vote, inspired by the much-loved Australian TV show Bluey. 💙

With Little Penguins susceptible to threats such as avian influenza (bird flu), Bluey is also an important part of an insurance population. Maintaining healthy and genetically diverse populations in human care can play an important role in safeguarding the species. Bluey’s genetics could potentially contribute to future conservation breeding and release programs, helping support wild Little Penguin populations if the need arises. 🐧🌏💙

So, while she may be little, Bluey could have a big role to play in the future of her species!

Please join us in wishing Bluey a very Happy 2nd Birthday! 🎈🐟💙

15/09/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT MARINE WILDLIFE ALERT – PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RELEASE STRANDED ANIMALS 🐬🌊

Today, a call came through to ORRCA regarding a baby dolphin that had washed up alive on a beach in our local area.

We understand that before anything could be said or done members of the public attempted to help by putting the dolphin back into the water multiple times. Sadly, the animal has since died.

We know people want to help, but there are some very important things everyone needs to know:

⚠️ If you find a dolphin, seal, turtle, seabird or other marine animal stranded on a beach, PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH IT OR ATTEMPT TO PUT IT BACK INTO THE WATER.

A marine animal that has come ashore may be sick, injured, exhausted or in serious distress. It needs to be assessed by trained wildlife responders and a veterinarian. Repeatedly returning a distressed animal to the water can cause additional stress and may delay the treatment it needs.

With the current threat of HPAI (avian influenza/bird flu), approaching or handling sick or deceased wildlife can also present a significant biosecurity risk to people, pets and other wildlife.

📞 Please keep your distance, keep dogs and children away, and immediately contact a wildlife rescue organisation such as ORRCA, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary or NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

🚨 WE ALSO NEED YOUR HELP

If you see the deceased body of this young dolphin, please do not touch or move it. Contact one of the organisations above immediately so the body can be located, appropriate testing can be arranged, and it can be handled and disposed of correctly.

Please share this message. Knowing what to do when you find stranded marine wildlife could make a critical difference.

🐬 See it. Keep your distance. Call for help.

CCWS 02 66591900. Or 0411587728
ORCCA 02 9415 3333.

15/09/2026

A Special Honour.

We are incredibly proud to share that Tiga Cross has been recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International through the city of Coffs Harbour Rotary

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to service, generosity and making a positive difference in the lives of others worldwide.

For Tiga, this recognition reflects years of hard work and selfless dedication to supporting our community, wildlife, conservation, education and those who need a helping hand.

Tiga’s passion has always been about creating meaningful change - whether that means helping an animal in need, creating opportunities for young people, supporting members of our community, or standing up for a cause she believes can make a difference.

A huge thank you to Rotary International for this very special recognition, and to all the wonderful people who work alongside Tiga and continue to support the work she is so passionate about.

Congratulations, Tiga!

14/09/2026

Hey Coffs Coast parents! 👋

Are you working through the NSW school holidays and need something fun, safe AND educational for the kids to do?

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary’s SANCTUARY SQUAD is running Monday–Friday throughout the school holidays! 🎒🐬

Instead of another day in front of a screen, kids aged 5–10 years can spend a full day at the Sanctuary learning about wildlife, meeting animals and discovering what goes on behind the scenes.

🕘 9am–3pm
👧 Ages 5–10 years
💰 $150 per child, per day
🥪 Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea INCLUDED
📅 Book a single day or multiple days

Their day can include:
🐬 Up-close animal experiences
🐢 Hands-on wildlife and animal care activities
🦭 Behind-the-scenes Sanctuary adventures
🌊 Learning about marine wildlife rescue & rehabilitation
🐠 Games, challenges, crafts and activities
👩‍⚕️ Discovering what our animal care and rescue teams do

It’s a full day of supervised school holiday fun — and a great option for parents who don’t get the school holidays off!

👋 Sanctuary Squad is a child-only program, so parents don’t need to stay. If you’d like to remain onsite, you’re welcome to purchase general admission and enjoy the Sanctuary separately while the kids are with the Squad.

💙 If your child has additional support or accessibility requirements, please contact our Front Desk before booking so we can chat about the best support options.

📍 Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
📅 Monday–Friday during the NSW school holidays

Places are limited, so bookings are essential!

🌊 Join the Squad. Meet the animals. Make a difference. 🐢🐬

https://ecom.roller.app/coffscoastwildlifesanctuary/schoolholidayprogram/en/product/1059967?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUVR6pjbGNrBRVHpnBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEesBGcz4DLoF6nT_b1_q5qgsr5UeyoN2pJ2JgKtEZRCIU8qMRA_LFWsUjh9PE_aem_P-R8KOrgdXA1RWyLg2rNPQ&utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0edfw7r4&date=2026-09-28

14/09/2026

🐞🦋 INSECTORIUM GRAND OPENING! -19th September 2026 🐛🪲

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary has been working on something small… but very mighty! 💚

We’re excited to officially open the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Insectorium — a new space dedicated to some of the smallest, strangest and most important creatures on our planet!

Come along and celebrate the official launch with a morning packed full of creepy-crawly fun for the whole family.

🐞 FREE face painting
🦎 Adam’s Wildlife Encounters
🕷️ Get up close with some very little — but VERY important — creatures
🐛 Bug-themed kids activities
🦋 Explore the brand-new Insectorium
🎉 Plus plenty more family fun!
⏰ 11am – 1:00pm

And the best part? The Grand Opening activities and Insectorium are included with your normal Sanctuary admission!

💚 CCWS Members — it’s FREE with your membership!

So grab your friends, bring the family, and come discover why sometimes the smallest creatures have the biggest jobs! 🐝🌏

Join us as we officially open the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Insectorium!

Thanks to TURSA workplace project for the support in this project.

🐞 Small creatures. Mighty impact.

13/09/2026

This is incredibly serious :(

South Australian authorities have confirmed the first H5 bird flu case in an endangered Australian sea lion on Kangaroo Island.

With fewer than 10,000 remaining, the potential impact on this species is devastating.

CCWS is home to one of the world’s most successful managed-care Australian sea lion breeding populations. While our animals are not bred for release, the research, veterinary knowledge and understanding gained from their care is now more important than ever.

Protecting what remains of this incredible species must be a priority.

South Australian authorities say case discovered on Kangaroo Island is first for species of which less than 12,000 animals remain

13/09/2026

🐾 WHOSE TAIL IS THIS? 👀

Think you know the animals at CCWS?

Can you guess what species this tail belongs to… and for bonus points, which animal it is by name? 🐬🐢🦭🐧

Drop your best guess in the comments below! 👇
We’ll reveal the answer soon! 💚

12/09/2026

🐬 World Dolphin Day 💙

Today, we're celebrating these intelligent and incredible marine mammals and the important role they play in our oceans.

Let’s continue to learn, care, and protect our marine wildlife for generations to come. 🌊💙

11/09/2026

💙 Supporting Local Is More Important Than Ever! 💙

At Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, we’re proud to support local businesses, suppliers and trades wherever we can.

From food and supplies to maintenance, printing, professional services, building works and everything in between, so much of what keeps our Sanctuary running comes from businesses right here in our local community.

When you support local, your money stays local. It supports local jobs, local families and helps build a stronger Coffs Coast community. 🌿🐢🐬

We’re incredibly grateful to the many local businesses that support CCWS — and we’re proud to support them right back.

Local supporting local. That’s how strong communities grow. 💙

10/09/2026

🐢✨ Meet Milo – A Very Special New Arrival at Coffs Wildlife Sanctuary ✨🐢

Every rescue has a story, and Milo’s is one of incredible resilience, teamwork and hope.

Milo is a young Hawksbill turtle—one of the world’s most endangered sea turtle species. Every Hawksbill rescued is incredibly important for the future of the species, making Milo’s journey all the more special.

Earlier this year, Milo was found washed ashore upside down at Mystery Bay, just south of Narooma. She had suffered a severe injury, with part of her front flipper detached, and weighed less than 1 kg. Thanks to the dedication of Belinda, an experienced marine wildlife rescuer from Jervis Bay, Milo received months of specialised care.

In April, Milo underwent surgery performed by the veterinary team aboard the Byron Bay Mobile Wildlife Hospital. Since then, she has made remarkable progress, growing to almost 4 kg and becoming strong enough for the next stage of her rehabilitation.

Her journey to Coffs Wildlife Sanctuary wasn’t without drama. While transporting Milo north to our warmer waters—where conditions are ideal for preparing turtles for release—Belinda encountered floodwater near Taree. Her vehicle aquaplaned and was written off. Thankfully, both Belinda and Milo escaped unharmed.

With the assistance from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Milo safely continued her journey to Port Macquarie before being transferred to our team at Coffs Wildlife Sanctuary.

Milo is now settling into our triage facility, where she’ll continue her rehabilitation before progressing through the next stages of care on her journey back to the ocean.

We feel incredibly privileged to be part of Milo’s story. It takes an amazing network of rescuers, veterinarians, volunteers and wildlife organisations working together to give endangered marine animals like Milo a second chance.

Please join us in welcoming this beautiful little fighter to the Sanctuary. We can’t wait to share updates as Milo continues her remarkable journey towards returning to the wild. 💙🌊