South Australia’s sick and injured native wildlife will benefit from improved veterinary care under a $1 million state government program to support the volunteer rescue and rehabilitation sector.

Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER), at Onkaparinga Hills, will receive $600,000 over four years to help the charity continue its work, including delivering vital care for koalas, echidnas and other native wildlife in need.

The volunteer-led organisation has provided free treatment to more than 700 native animals across over 30 species through their on-site veterinary clinic since late 2024.

This includes young koala, Axle, who was recently rescued after being struck by a car on Kangarilla Road and becoming wedged inside the vehicle’s grille. He has undergone a full health check and is set to return to the wild in the coming days.

SKER’s 24-hour rescue service with a full-time wildlife veterinary clinic enables prompt assessment of rescued wildlife, including x-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests.

Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic has been provided $100,000 over four years to support the island’s wildlife carers and deliver critical treatment to native wildlife.

A further $300,000 over four years will boost opportunities for veterinarians across the state to undertake specialised training in wildlife treatment.

About 20 veterinarians or veterinary nurses will be supported to gain knowledge and skills using established training courses in the program’s first year. Development of new training options will also be considered as part of the investment.

SKER Founder and Operations Manager Mish Simpson says this funding will provide a vital lifeline to its Wildlife Veterinary Clinic at a time when demand for services has increased.

“We are seeing a steep rise in rescues attended by our own team, alongside a growing number of requests for veterinary support from wildlife carers right across South Australia.

“This funding will help us continue providing urgent, specialist veterinary care to sick and injured native animals when they need it most.”

There are around 400 permitted wildlife carers in South Australia, each of whom contribute hundreds of hours in voluntary work every year.