Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has marked its 5th birthday and over 10,000 wildlife patients with the launch of a new bricks and mortar wildlife hospital and a new truck for its mobile hospital, that’s set to embark on a national tour in 2026.
The new UD Quon has been provided to the wildlife charity by UD Trucks as part of a long-term partnership connecting transport and logistics, emergency services and wildlife conservation.
“Under our parent brand Wildlife Recovery Australia (WRA), we now operate three state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned Australian wildlife,” said WRA Founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil.
“Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital HQ, Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital and Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre are unique facilities which allow us to treat more wildlife patients in our region, but also nationally through our mobile capacity.”
“With our fixed-location hospital now established, the mobile hospital can be deployed for research, field operations, education tours, and rapid disaster response,” he said.
“The newly named Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital, affectionately known as ‘Matilda’ is now proactively mobile to go anywhere in the country where wildlife populations are under threat.”
The group also celebrated its five-year partnership with UD Trucks by revealing a new livery depicting a 3D panoramic landscape populated with Australian wildlife.
The original artwork forms a striking skin for a new UD Quon GW26 460 delivering next generation safety, efficiency, and purpose to the not-for-profit’s life-saving mission.
“Our relationship with Wildlife Recovery Hospital continues to evolve as they grow into national leaders in wildlife conservation,” said Philippa Wood, Vice President UD Trucks Sales & Marketing.
The new 6×4 prime mover, will continue to power Australia’s only mobile wildlife hospital – taking critical care directly to wildlife impacted by bushfires, floods, and disease outbreaks.
Wood added, “This Quon is more than a truck – it’s a moving symbol of purpose. It represents the best of what transport organisations and wildlife conservation groups can achieve together driven by compassion and capability.”
Replacing the original 2020-delivered Quon, the new prime mover brings improved fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge active safety technologies, including the ability to detect vulnerable road users and other traffic hazards.
“With features that protect vulnerable road users, drivers and wildlife, this unique vehicle embodies our brand purpose of creating a Better Life,” added Wood.
Wildlife Recovery Australia is planning a 2026 national tour, showcasing how innovation in heavy transport can directly support wildlife conservation and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
“With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the role of Australia’s first mobile wildlife hospital has never been more critical,” Wood added.
“UD Trucks is proud to keep powering that mission – now and into the future.”