Volvo Group Australia has provided Byron Bay Mobile Wildlife Hospital with a new UD truck to facilitate swift emergency response to injured or traumatised wildlife, as part of a multi-year partnership agreement.
Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital owns and operates Matilda, Australia’s largest mobile wildlife hospital, a custom-built veterinary hospital on wheels, staffed by a team of wildlife expert veterinarians and nurse.
The mobile hospital is fully-equipped and self-sufficient to travel anywhere in Australia to assist in wildlife crisis operations such as a bushfire or flood event.
The not-for-profit company, established by a ‘supergroup’ of Australian veterinarians has been seeking a corporate partner to meet its transportation needs.
Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital founder and chief executive Dr Stephen Van Mil says UD Trucks Australia has “gone the extra mile” in its support.
“This partnership means our mobile wildlife hospital can hit the road quickly to assist in the rescue, treatment and recovery of Australian wildlife, anywhere in Australia where there is a need.
“We’ll be putting the partnership into immediate effect as we depart today with a new UD Truck taking Matilda on tour to visit veterinarians, wildlife carers and regional communities in South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
“We are humbled by the support of UD Trucks Australia and Volvo Group Australia, along with that of our tour sponsors World Animal Protection and the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. We very much looking forward to working with them to achieve our mission,” Van Mil says.
UD Trucks Australia vice president Lauren Downs says the team is “delighted to support and work in partnership with the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital”.
“At UD Trucks Australia we are committed to providing a better life for people, for society, for the planet and for our future so we are thrilled to partner which such a groundbreaking organisation that shares our values.
“These dedicated, experienced veterinarians are making a positive commitment to help Australia’s precious wildlife, and the opportunity to support them do that was one that resonated strongly with us,” Downs says.
The UD Quon 6×4 was seen as a perfect match for its powerful, clean and fuel-efficient capabilities.
“Sustainability it at the heart of everything UD Trucks does. The UD Quon meets the stringent pPNLT fuel emission standards for example, that not only surpasses what is required here in Australia but also the Euro 6 emission standards, which we are incredibly proud of,” Downs says.
The UD Quon is also renowned for its dependability even in the often-harsh Australia climate and conditions, which will serve it well in its latest role with life-saving responsibilities for the hospital.
The new UD Quon also comes fitted with advanced safety features as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, traffic eye braking, lane departure warning system and electronic stability control to ensure every trip is a safe one.
As Matilda travels, help will never be far away. As a part of the partnership agreement the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital will have access to Volvo Group Australia’s industry leading dealer network, providing the largest service support in Australasia with over 60 dealers and support centres across the country, that also offer 24-hour roadside assistance. Matilda will also be well cared for by a comprehensive service agreement to ensure Matilda gets serviced by Volvo Group Australia’s expert technicians and maximise uptime.
Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation veterinarian Dr Bree Talbot says the impacts of natural disasters, bushfires and floods is devastating for native animals.
“It is sadly inevitable that we’ll need to respond to a crisis sooner rather than later, and UD Trucks’ incredible support will make it possible to respond quickly, save individual animals and recover species under threat.”
