Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Rescue

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Rescue Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of marine animals on the Coffs Coast.

08/12/2025

UPDATE: The Arrawarra turtle has been found!

Thanks to the community, we were able to positively identify that this is the same turtle first spotted at Arrawarra — this time found at Corindi. Same turtle, same markings!

This little “Pickle” was incredibly lucky to be rescued by the very same person who called him in the first time. After safely transferring him back to the Sanctuary, he’s in good spirits and showing plenty of enthusiastic flapping!

A huge thank you to everyone who shared our posts and helped with this rescue.

Because of your support, we were also able to rescue five other turtles across the region.

Your vigilance truly saves lives. 💚🐢

🚨 PUBLIC HELP NEEDED – ARRAWARRA / MULLAWAY AREA 🚨
UPDATE: The Arrawarra turtle has been found!
Thanks to the community, we were able to positively identify that this is the same turtle first spotted at Arrawarra — this time found at Corindi. Same turtle, same markings!

This little “Pickle” was incredibly lucky to be rescued by the very same person who called him in the first time. After safely transferring him back to the Sanctuary, he’s in good spirits and showing plenty of enthusiastic flapping!

A huge thank you to everyone who shared our posts and helped with this rescue.

Because of your support, we were also able to rescue five other turtles across the region.

Your vigilance truly saves lives. 💚🐢

A sick turtle has washed up on the beach and was mistakenly returned to the water. It is struggling to swim and will wash ashore again. Please DO NOT return it to the ocean. It urgently needs rescue and rehabilitation at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

📍 Last known location: Mullawarra / Ocean View Beach – in the rocks just south of the Arrawarra Marine Rescue shed.

📞 If you find the turtle, PLEASE call: 6659 1900 immediately.

➡️ What to do:

Move the turtle away from the water
Place it in a shaded, safe location
Wait for our team to arrive

IMPORTANT:
If you see any turtle wash up on the beach, please do NOT return it to the ocean.
Turtles come ashore because they need help.

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary has a 24-hour rescue line, and we have already rescued over 50 turtles so far this season.
Please call us immediately so we can give them the care they need: 6659 1900

19/07/2025

🌅 Public Service Announcement: It’s Seal Season, Not Silly Season! 🦭

There’s nothing quite like a peaceful sunrise walk on the beach — and spotting a seal resting on the sand makes it even more magical. But remember: seals are wild animals, and this is their time to rest and recover.

🐾 The CCWS, NPWS, and ORRCA are monitoring many seals currently hauling out along our coastline. Most are perfectly healthy and do not need assistance.

If you're genuinely concerned about a seal’s condition, please contact: 📞 02 6659 1900
📞 ORRCA Wildlife Hotline (24/7)

✅ Important reminders:

Stay at least 50 metres away

Keep children and dogs well away

Never approach or touch a seal — heavy fines apply

💬 Be kind to CCWS and ORRCA volunteers who are out there every day keeping watch. They’re passionate and knowledgeable — take a moment to say hello and learn about these amazing animals!

Let’s keep our coast safe and peaceful for both wildlife and people.
Seal the moment — respectfully. 🌊🦭

We are so humbled that The Jetty Pavilionion has chosen to support us to align with the excitement that has been created...
09/07/2025

We are so humbled that The Jetty Pavilionion has chosen to support us to align with the excitement that has been created by Robert Erwin's recent visit to this local restaurant treat, and the subsequent 'Pay it Forward' campaign. Spread the word, share the love, and help us to build support for the rescue and rehab work that we do here at the Sanctuary, every day, to support local marine wildlife.

01/07/2025

🦭 Seal Season is Here on the Coffs Coast 🦭

As the cooler months roll in, you might be lucky enough to spot some whiskery visitors along our coastline—New Zealand Fur Seals are known to haul out on our beaches for a well-earned rest.

If you see one, here’s how to keep them safe:

🔹 Keep your distance—stay at least 30 metres away
🔹 Keep dogs on a lead and well away from seals
🔹 Never approach, feed or try to move a seal

Many seals come ashore to rest and warm up. This behaviour is perfectly normal. If you spot one in the water with flippers raised, it’s likely just “sailing”—a natural way they regulate body temperature.

📞 If you believe a seal is injured, sick, or in distress, contact:
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary: 02 6659 1900 (9am - 3pm daily) or 0411587728 (out of hours)
ORRCA: 02 9415 3333 (24/7)
NPWS: 1300 361 967

Let’s all do our bit to protect these incredible marine mammals and share the shoreline with care.

The passing yesterday of Hec Goodall marks the end of a significant chapter in the story of the first, and lasting, mari...
17/06/2025

The passing yesterday of Hec Goodall marks the end of a significant chapter in the story of the first, and lasting, marine animal care facility on the Coffs Coast.

In 1970, Hec built and founded the Coffs Harbour Pet Porpoise Pool, creating a space that introduced generations of Australians to the wonder of marine wildlife—creatures that, at the time, were still mysterious and largely unknown to us land-based humans.

There is no doubt that Hec’s commitment to rescue and rehabilitation over his three decades at the Pet Porpoise Pool left a lasting impact. His work lives on in the hearts and memories of the Coffs Harbour community and the millions who visited the facility.

Though Hec stepped away from direct involvement more than 15 years ago, he regularly visited the facility to say hi to the three remaining dolphins he reared and cared for – Bella, Zippy and Jet - a powerful testament to the enduring relationships he fostered with all the animals in his care.

Today, the facility has evolved into the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, operating as a not-for-profit with a deepened focus on conservation and the protection of species and their natural environments. But it does so on foundations laid by Hec, whose early efforts to connect people with marine life helped shape what the sanctuary has become.

Photo: John Rotar via Coffs Archives

05/06/2025

🌊🐢 Rescue Adventure: Injured Sea Turtle at Bundagen Headland 🐢🌊

Rescues are rarely straightforward—and this one truly tested our determination!

Earlier this week, a call came through to the ORRCA rescue line from a concerned member of the public who had discovered an injured sea turtle on the remote Bundagen Beach. ORRCA immediately contacted us at CCWS, and our mission began.

Little did we know the journey ahead would involve some serious teamwork, creative problem-solving, and a whole lot of heart.

Several members of the public had already rallied together at the scene. They stayed with the turtle for hours, shielding and monitoring it, and doing everything they could to keep it safe until help arrived. One had even built a shelter out of driftwood to provide protection from the sun.

Quickly realising the location was incredibly hard to access. There were two possible routes: a long, steep walking track or a road accessible only during low tide—which was fast approaching high. Waiting another three hours wasn’t an option.

So, the walking track it was. With a trolley, some sn**ch straps, a turtle harness, and a determined crew of rescuers, we set off. The trek involved a 1 km hike through bushland, a drop down a 1-metre sand dune, and another 100m walk along the beach.

There we found the turtle—now nicknamed “Nemo”—who had sustained a head injury and appeared to have a deformed flipper.

With great care, we secured Nemo onto the trolley and began the slow, steady trek back—up the dunes, through the bush, and finally to the vehicle. Thanks to the incredible effort of our CCWS volunteers and the compassionate members of the public, we got Nemo safely to the car and transported back to CCWS for veterinary assessment.

💚 A massive thank you to everyone involved in this challenging but heartwarming rescue. Your compassion and perseverance ensured Nemo got the care they needed.

Want to become a Rescue Volunteer for the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary? Join qualified and experienced Marine Science ...
04/06/2025

Want to become a Rescue Volunteer for the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary?

Join qualified and experienced Marine Science experts from the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary to learn the skills that you’ll need to identify and rescue an injured marine animal and increase their chances of survival.

💙 Ready to get involved? Click here to learn more and to register:

https://coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au/news/rescue-volunteer-workshop-21-june-2025/

Address

65 Orlando Street
Coffs Harbour, NSW
2450

Telephone

+61266591900

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