Our Story

About our Sanctuary

Every day, our dedicated team works to engage and inspire visitors to protect our local animals and their environment through education and unique experiences.

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park and Pet Porpoise Pool) is a multi-award-winning, not-for-profit marine and terrestrial wildlife sanctuary in Coffs Harbour on the NSW Mid North Coast, midway between Sydney and Brisbane. We overlook Coffs Creek, just a short walk from the popular Jetty precinct.

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Donations of $2 or more are fully tax-deductible in Australia.

A new chapter

Two years ago, after more than five decades of operation, the Sanctuary was close to disappearing. It was set to be closed and sold, and the future of the animals who called it home was uncertain.

That’s when Tiga & her little family stepped in.

Since then, the Sanctuary has become a not-for-profit conservation and education hub. In just two years we have:

• Rescued and rehabilitated over a thousand marine animals
• Contributed to one of only two dolphin cancer surgeries undertaken in NSW
• Supported research into marine wildlife treatment and tracking
• Delivered hands-on education to more than 4,500 students, from preschool to university veterinary programs
• Created pathways for disengaged youth, Year 10 work-experience students, Workforce Australia Servics participants and NDIS participants
• Supported healing and reconnection through nature-based learning and cultural storytelling, including Sea Country and Dreamtime experiences

Our animals

We’re home to Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, endangered Australian sea lions, a colony of little blue penguins, green sea turtles, freshwater turtles and a variety of local fish species.

More than 40 marine and terrestrial animals call the Sanctuary their forever home. Each came to us because of an injury or illness that means they can’t be released back into the wild. As ambassadors for their species, they help us teach the community about their care, their environments, and why ongoing research matters.

Protecting the Australian sea lion

With fewer than 8,000 left in the wild, Australian sea lions are endangered. As active participants in the Australasian Species Management Program, we’ve successfully bred more than 14 Australian sea lion pups at the Sanctuary, and we’re proud to contribute to the species’ survival.

Caring for our wildlife

We hold a Rehabilitation Licence issued by the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage – National Parks and Wildlife Service, and we work closely with NSW Parks and Wildlife Services.

We’re licensed to display the animals in our care by the NSW Government – Department of Primary Industries, and we meet all requirements to hold bottlenose dolphins.

#SealTheLoop

Fishing line entanglement is one of the biggest killers of turtles, seals and other marine wildlife. Through our #SealTheLoop program, our team volunteers to collect hundreds of kilometres of discarded fishing line, nets, fishing gear and plastic rubbish every year. Without it, that rubbish would end up in our oceans.

What’s next

We’re working toward a dedicated Marine Wildlife Hospital for the Coffs Coast, a facility that will change what’s possible for rescue, treatment, research and long-term care in our region.

Visit us

Every ticket directly supports the animals you meet in Coffs Harbour. Come and meet our dolphins, sea lions and penguins, and hear their stories from the people who care for them.

Plan your visit →