A legacy of Compassion and Conservation
Founded in 1986, Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre began as a humble backyard initiative by June Butcher, driven by a passion to protect and care for injured and orphaned wildlife in Perth, Western Australia. Over the decades, Kanyana has evolved into a pivotal force in wildlife conservation, expanding its facilities and expertise to accommodate over 3,500 admissions annually.
Embracing a philosophy of rescue, rehabilitation, and release, Kanyana has nurtured countless native species, from kangaroos and Woylies, to birds of prey and reptiles, fostering partnerships with communities, businesses, and government bodies to ensure a sustainable future for Australia's unique fauna.
Today, Kanyana Wildlife stands as a beacon of hope and dedication, advocating for the welfare of wildlife through education, rehabilitation, and habitat preservation initiatives.
Take a stroll (scroll) below to discover Kanyana through the ages.
Our Founder
Mrs. June Butcher
Kanyana volunteer since: 1970s
Management Committee member from 1986 to 2020
Achievements:
- Founded Kanyana with husband Lloyd in 1986,
- Established Kanyana as a leader in wildlife rehabilitation,
- Considered an authority on wildlife breeding, care, and treatment,
- Both June and Lloyd awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2002 for services to wildlife,
- Long-time educator and champion of community engagement in wildlife and conservation issues.
Kanyana Wildlife through the ages
Late 1970s
Kanyana starts in June and Lloyd Butcher’s home laundry in Gooseberry Hill, caring mainly for local birds
1980s
Kanyana rapidly expands, taking over the whole of June and Lloyd’s house. In 1986, Lloyd constructed a basic hospital and enclosures in their three-hectare property, designed and built to June’s specifications. Kanyana admits 70 additional animals, and by 1989, the hospital underwent another expansion, doubling in size.
1993
The Captive breeding of Western barred bandicoots, a threatened species, begins. This year, Kanyana was also incorporated as a voluntary organisation with around 20 passionate volunteers calling Kanyana home.
1994
The Kanyana education program kicked off with immersive nocturnal tours and school visits. Both initiatives further enriched the learning experience for students and were an exciting beginning to educating others.
1996
A huge moment for bilbies. This is the year that captive breeding of bilbies begins at Kanyana starting with Bet Bet and Basil, our very first breeding pair. The breeding program since then has been very successful, with over 100 baby bilbies being produced at Kanyana, that have gone on to being distributed throughout the country to other release sites, zoos and breeding facilities.
2000-2005
A formal research program in conjunction with Murdoch Veterinary School begins that they have described the collaboration as an important contribution wildlife care centres can deliver for wildlife health surveillance and strengthening biosecurity. Kanyana also begins conducting training programs for other organisations.
2006
A parasite is discovered during research into the papilloma/polyoma virus affecting Western barred bandicoots and is named Eimeria Kanyana, in commendation of Kanyana’s dedication to bandicoots.
2008
Admissions exceed 1800 per year, an exciting milestone for Kanyana, and tangible proof of the organisations burgeoning growth.
2010
Kanyana moves to Paxwold, a purpose-built facility funded by Lotterywest with generous support from both the Department of Environment of Conservation (now Parks and Wildlife) and Kalamunda Shire.
2012
Kanyana Wildlife Discovery Centre is established, thanks to funding from Chevron Australia. Kanyana is now supported by more than 300 volunteers.
2014
A proud moment for Kanyana. We were awarded in the Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards – with The President's Award and the Staff Training and Development Award. Admissions exceed 2400 for the year!
2015
The Zoo and Aquarium Association admits Kanyana as an Associate Institutional Member after a glowing report from the Association's Accreditation Program.
2016
For our tireless efforts in our Woylie Breeding Program, we were awarded the Zoo and Aquarium Association In-situ Conservation Award.
2023
Kanyana admits its 50,000th patient since record keeping began. Kanyana admits roughly 3,500 patients per year.
Pioneers in wildlife rehabilitation
At Kanyana, we understand that native animals require specific, highly specialised treatment to recover fully. Our facilities are equipped to provide this level of care, addressing both the physical and psychological needs of the animals. We aim to rehabilitate them fully, ultimately returning them to their natural habitats.
We’re dedicated to making a difference, one rescue at a time.
Be a Wildlife Hero
Make a difference today by supporting Kanyana Wildlife.
Join us in safeguarding Australia's precious wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat protection.
Your support powers our mission and your generosity directly impacts the lives of injured, orphaned, and displaced animals in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation right here in Western Australia.
Whether you donate, volunteer, or adopt, you're making a difference.
