On Monday, Malta opened the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which aims to provide better shelter and rehabilitation facilities for injured wildlife, as well as serve as a hub for environmental research and education. The center, located in a nature park on Malta’s southeastern Delimara peninsula, received an investment of 2.5 million euros (2.73 million U.S. dollars), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Currently, nine sea turtles and seven hedgehogs are receiving care at the center.
The inauguration of the center was attended by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett. Notably, over 20,000 native trees and shrubs were planted in the nature park, which has resulted in a thriving ecosystem.
Nature Trust Malta collaborated with the state environment body Ambjent Malta to develop the wildlife rehabilitation center, which includes facilities for the rehabilitation of various wildlife species, such as marine, terrestrial, and avian fauna. The center aims to provide a sanctuary for their recovery and potential reintroduction to their habitats.
In addition to caring for injured wildlife, the center also aims to educate children and visitors about Malta’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Minister Dalli emphasized the importance of protecting Malta’s natural heritage, stating “We need to maintain our commitments towards the protection of our natural heritage. This Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is not just a building with specialized equipment. It is a holistic environmental experience that brings together children and adults from all walks of life towards a common objective.”
