FAWNA

Waalitj Boodja Flight Aviary

Waalitj Boodja Flight Aviary

FAWNA is undertaking the construction of a purpose‑built flight aviary to support the final stages of rehabilitation for Wedge‑tailed Eagles and other endemic raptors that come into our care. These apex species require extensive space, specialized infrastructure, and controlled conditions to rebuild flight strength, develop muscle tone, and regain the agility essential for survival in ...

GOAL

$15,000

Australia > WA > Regional

Field of Interest

  • Environment conservation and climate change

Target Population

  • Flora / fauna
  • General population
FAWNA FAWNA

FAWNA is dedicated to protecting and conserving Western Australia’s unique wildlife and the habitats they depend on.

Guided by scientific knowledge and professional practice, we work to preserve ecosystems, recover threatened endemic species, and strengthen biodiversity for the health of all life.

We collaborate with educational institutions, Landcare groups, and natural resource management organisations to drive meaningful conservation outcomes. Through community education and advocacy, we help people reconnect with the natural environment and understand the vital role they play in its protection.

FAWNA also provides the training, resources, and support needed for our members to safely rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife in accordance with all regulatory requirements. Our vision is a community that deeply values and actively safeguards its natural heritage.

Project Summary

FAWNA is undertaking the construction of a purpose‑built flight aviary to support the final stages of rehabilitation for Wedge‑tailed Eagles and other endemic raptors that come into our care. These apex species require extensive space, specialized infrastructure, and controlled conditions to rebuild flight strength, develop muscle tone, and regain the agility essential for survival in the wild.

This project will create a large‑scale, secure, and environmentally appropriate aviary designed specifically for late‑stage conditioning. The structure will allow raptors to practice sustained flight, maneuvering, and hunting behaviors in a safe setting that mimics natural conditions. By providing this critical step between medical recovery and release, FAWNA can ensure each bird reaches peak physical condition and is fully prepared for successful reintegration into its natural habitat.

The aviary will significantly enhance our capacity to rehabilitate injured raptors, reduce long‑term care requirements, and improve release outcomes for some of Western Australia’s most iconic and ecologically important species. With philanthropic support, FAWNA can deliver a facility that meets the highest standards of animal welfare and contributes meaningfully to the conservation of native raptor populations.

Project Outcomes

Proposed Optimal Outcomes
1. Improved Release Success for Raptors
- Wedge‑tailed Eagles and other endemic raptors are released in peak physical condition, with fully rebuilt flight muscles and restored stamina.
- Increased post‑release survival rates due to better conditioning and behavioral readiness.

2. Enhanced Rehabilitation Capacity
- FAWNA gains the ability to rehabilitate more raptors simultaneously, including large species that require extensive flight space.
- Reduced time in care, lowering stress on birds and improving welfare outcomes.

3. High‑Standard, Evidence‑Based Animal Welfare
- Rehabilitation practices align with best‑practice wildlife care standards, supported by scientific knowledge and species‑specific needs.
- Birds experience a more natural, low‑stress environment during late‑stage recovery.

4. Strengthened Conservation Outcomes for Endemic Raptors
- Contribution to the long‑term stability of local raptor populations, particularly Wedge‑tailed Eagles, which play a critical ecological role as apex predators.
- Improved capacity to support threatened or vulnerable raptor species when needed.

5. Increased Organisational Capability and Resilience
- FAWNA becomes a recognised regional leader in raptor rehabilitation infrastructure.
- Enhanced ability to respond to spikes in wildlife admissions (e.g., bushfires, poisonings, vehicle strikes, extreme weather events).

6. Community Engagement and Education Benefits
- The project becomes a platform for public awareness, volunteer training, and collaboration with schools, universities, and NRM groups.
- Greater community understanding of raptor ecology and the importance of conservation.

7. Long‑Term, Sustainable Impact
- A durable, purpose‑built facility that will serve wildlife for decades, reducing the need for temporary or makeshift rehabilitation solutions.

Budget Breakdown

TOTAL BUDGET: $25,000
FUNDING
Funding source Amount
Funding gap $15,000

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Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.