We expect to treat 10,000 animals per year
The Vision
Across North Queensland, injured native animals are impacted every day by roads, barbed wire, habitat loss, watercraft and human activity.
While wildlife rescuers, carers and veterinary teams work tirelessly to help, many animals still suffer because they do not have access to dedicated emergency facilities, specialised treatment or affordable care.
That is why WildHaven was created.
WildHaven is building North Queensland’s first dedicated wildlife hospital — a not-for-profit centre providing emergency treatment, surgery, advanced imaging, critical care and rehabilitation for native wildlife.
Based in Townsville, our vision is simple:
To stop unnecessary pain, suffering and death for the wildlife that call North Queensland home.
Build It
WildHaven is a community-built initiative created to transform wildlife care across North Queensland.
Our first stage is a purpose-built portable wildlife hospital based alongside Pet 24/7 - a new emergency veterinary hospital in Townsville. This model gives WildHaven access to advanced equipment, clinical support and critical care resources from day one.
But this is only the beginning.
Our vision is to grow WildHaven into North Queensland’s leading wildlife trauma, treatment and rehabilitation centre — supporting injured native animals from orphaned joeys and birds of prey to reptiles, sea turtles and marine wildlife.
WildHaven will provide emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, rehabilitation, education and support for rescuers, carers, veterinary teams and the wider community.
This is not just about building a hospital.
It is about building hope, capability and a future where injured wildlife no longer suffer because help is too far away.
Grow It
WildHaven has been created with a long-term vision for wildlife care in North Queensland.
Beyond the hospital, our mission is to build a sustainable future through collaboration, education, conservation and community support.
We will work alongside government agencies, rescue groups, carers, veterinary teams, universities, wildlife organisations, corporate partners and local communities to strengthen outcomes for native animals across the region.
Community support will be at the heart of this work. Through donations, sponsorships, fundraising and partnerships, every contribution will help save lives, expand services and grow wildlife care in North Queensland.
Our future vision includes establishing a dedicated wildlife sanctuary — a protected place where vulnerable and rehabilitated animals can recover safely, and where future generations can connect with Australia’s unique wildlife.
Meet the team……
Katherine Ormonde (left ) Co-Founder & Co-Director
Katherine Ormonde is a Co-Founder and Co-Director of WildHaven North Queensland Wildlife Hospital.
With a background in engineering, law, governance and environmental advocacy, Katherine brings strong strategic and regulatory expertise to the organisation. Her experience in planning, environment, mining and resources law provides valuable insight into the balance between community growth and wildlife protection.
Katherine is also the Presiding Chair of NQ Wildlife Care, where she is closely connected to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native animals across North Queensland.
At WildHaven, Katherine is focused on helping build a strong, sustainable and well-governed wildlife hospital that supports rescuers, carers, veterinarians and the wider community.
Dr. Taleta Hompas, Co-Founder & Co-Director
Dr Taleta Hompas BVSc MANZCVS (ECC) MBA is a Co-Founder and Co-Director of WildHaven North Queensland Wildlife Hospital.
With almost two decades of experience in emergency and critical care veterinary medicine, Taleta brings advanced clinical expertise, leadership and a strong passion for wildlife care to the organisation.
Her interests in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound and advanced treatment help guide WildHaven’s focus on improving outcomes for injured and vulnerable native animals.
Taleta’s vision for WildHaven was born from a desire to create dedicated wildlife care in North Queensland, while inspiring greater community awareness, conservation and protection of Australia’s native species.
Simon Hompas Co-Founder & Co-Director
A former Australian Army officer, Simon brings strong experience in leadership, governance, risk management and organisational resilience.
At WildHaven, he helps build the structure, systems and partnerships needed to support a sustainable and accountable not-for-profit wildlife hospital.
Alongside his wife, Dr Taleta Hompas, Simon is helping turn a shared commitment to animals, community and conservation into North Queensland’s first dedicated wildlife hospital.
Paul Kite - General Manager
Paul Kite is the General Manager of WildHaven North Queensland Wildlife Hospital.
With experience across emergency healthcare operations, hospital systems and not-for-profit services, Paul brings strong leadership, operational knowledge and a community-focused approach to the organisation.
At WildHaven, Paul is helping build North Queensland’s first of its kind dedicated wildlife hospital into a trusted centre for native animal care.
Working alongside the founders, veterinary team, rescuers, carers and community partners, he is focused on creating a sustainable, compassionate and well-run hospital that improves outcomes for wildlife in crisis.