Meander past the mosaics along the Main Track at Healesville Sanctuary and you’re guaranteed to discover something new.
The path, just past the Sidney Myer World of the Platypus centre, is aligned with 12 mosaics murals with each depicting a wildlife stamp created in a myriad of colours that look spectacular in the winter sunlight through the Sanctuary’s tree canopy.
A koala, echidna and a magnificent lyrebird are among the striking animal designs.
This part of the Sanctuary is the ideal space to pause and breathe in the fresh air while learning about the wildlife depicted, which is also a hit with curious youngsters.
At the end of the mosaic mural trail, is the Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC) where a dedicated team of vets, nurses and administration staff care for approximately 2,000 wildlife patients each year, as well as the animals that call the Sanctuary home.
The veterinary team conducts cutting-edge wildlife conservation research, clinical wildlife medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and plays a key role in wildlife disease surveillance.
Sanctuary visitors can view the amazing work that goes on via the internal glass walls of the AWHC gallery space. Healesville Sanctuary Animal Health Life Sciences Manager Gerry Ross said the team has a diverse skillset.
“The vets can be seen doing health checks, pre-release checks for the Threatened Species programs, as well as assessing illness,” Ms Ross said.
“They are incredibly knowledgeable and adaptable because they work with animals as big as a kangaroo and as small as a microbat. I constantly admire the hospital team. Our days are always changing due to the nature of the work we do, and the team always gets the job done, while ensuring that every patient has the best welfare and care possible.
“It is a great place for people to see compassionate staff helping to conserve our local wildlife, threatened species, and our resident animals.”
The mosaic stamps were created by artist Simon Normand, with the generous support of Mrs Sarah Myer, Mr Baillieu Myer AC and The Yulgilbar Foundation. The inspiration for Normand’s artwork is derived from pre-decimal stamps he collected as a child.
Zoos Victoria members and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au
