Rescue & rehabilitation
The centre rescues and cares all types of native wildlife, but specializes in reptiles. Animals that we receive or rescue can be either sick, injured, abandoned, confiscated or surrendered.
For further assistance or information if you have found an injured reptile, please do not hesitate to contact us. We do have a list of other reptile removalists that may be able to assist, if we cannot.
If you have found injured marsupials or birds, call the Wildcare Helpline instead on (08) 9474 9055.
Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife
- Snakes are frequently attacked by cats (targetting juveniles), dogs, run over by vehicles and injured by people. We have also rescued snakes with their heads stuck in aluminium cans. Many snakes are sighted in backyards, especially following fence lines in an attempt to try to find its way out. If a snake is sighted in the house, it is important that you watch it from a safe distance and if possible get someone else to ring for assistance. If you cannot do this, then ensure all pets are inside and keep watching from a safe distance. The reptile will either find a safe place to hide (then it can be removed by a professional) or simply find its way out.
- Bobtails are mainly hit by vehicles, attacked by dogs or cats and injured by lawnmowers, whippersnippers or bushfires. Bobtails are the most common reptile we receive being sick or injured and the number of those being attacked by dogs and cats increases each year.
- Birds (including nocturnals) are commonly found on the side of the road after being hit by a car. Baby birds attempting their first flight often fall to the ground.
- Marsupials (kangaroos, wombats, possums) are frequent victims of accidents involving vehicles and can be found on the side of the road. Most joeys survive the accidents and can be found inside their mother's pouch.
- If you find an injured reptile (or you would like a reptile to be relocated) and require assistance, please contact us. For birds and marsupials, please call the Wildcare Helpline instead on (08) 9474 9055.
Hospital
- A rehabilitation hospital is housed on the property where many sick and injured animals are nursed back to health and returned to the wild whenever possible.
- Animals ready to be released are thoroughfully assessed whether they can feed and move on their own and whether suitable and safe areas are found.
- Others with permanent injuries are kept at the Centre and utilized in our education programme for schools and communities.
Costs
- The costs of animal care include veterinary (surgery, pre and post-operation care, x-rays, medications), feeding, cleaning, enrichment, utilities and advertising.
- As it is privately owned, the Armadale Reptile and Wildlife Centre receives no financial support from the Government and is totally reliant on admission income, counter sales and the generosity of the public for its funding.
- Your visit will greatly support the work we do, so we can continue to help our native wildlife.
- Donations are always welcome.
Contact
For more information, please feel free to contact us or send us an enquiry using the form below.
Address
308 South Western Highway, Wungong 6112, WA
Contact
08 9399 6927 armreptilecentre@bigpond.comKlaas Gaikhorst, Mieke Gaikhorst
Kristy Gaikhorst, Lucy Kowalski
Opening hours
Open 10am to 4pm daily
Closed Wednesdays except on school holidays
Closed on Xmas, Boxing and New Year days
Map
Directions
By car:
From Armadale towards Byford: take South Western Hwy, right hand side after Stone St.
From Byford towards Armadale: take South Western Hwy, left hand side after Moore St.
By public transport:
From Armadale Train Station (Armadale line): catch buses 252 or 254 to Byford, stop at "St Western Hwy before Rails Cres" (number 13127).
OPEN MAP IN GOOGLE MAPS