MARINE RESCUE UNIT

In March 1991 the RSPCA opened Australia's only Marine Rescue Unit. Situated at the Lonsdale Animal Shelter, this unique facility has been built to care for the sick and injured marine mammals and birds found along the South Australian coastline. The complex has saved many seals and sea lions, as well as previously housing two Australian sea lions, "Orson" and "Speedy", who were left homeless when Marineland closed down.

The unit was used in 2003 to care for hundreds of birds including swans, pelicans, ducks, moorhens when there was a diesel spill on the River Torrens. Each bird had to be washed, medicated and rehabilitated at the shelter before being returned to the river.

The MRU is not normally open to the public due to the delicate nature of the wildlife which are being nursed. However the RSPCA does show groups through by prior arrangement.