Warm Pilbara welcome for Dr Harry

Vet and television personality Dr Harry Cooper paid a special visit to renowned Pilbara wildlife carer, Rose Best, to film for an upcoming episode of Better Homes and Gardens this month.

Ms Best spent two days filming with Dr Harry and his crew at her Dampier home, where she has dedicated more than 15 years to the care and rehabilitation of injured birds, kangaroos and reptiles.

Her non-for-profit organisation, Pilbara Wildlife Carers’ Association, maintains a network of more than 30 registered volunteer wildlife carers and transporters, who all work together to provide a vital emergency service to wildlife in the region.

Dr Harry said during his visit he enjoyed a tour of Ms Best’s purpose-built backyard aviary and wildlife sanctuary.

“What a fantastic set up Rose has got here at the Pilbara Wildlife Carers,” he said.

“The thing that is most impressive about Rose is that she doesn’t work for a wage, she works for the reward of watching a bird climb into that sky on its release.

“There really is no better feeling than watching a rehabilitated animal returned to its natural environment.”

Dr Harry said although he was well known for his work with household pets on television shows like Better Homes and Gardens and Harry’s Practice, one of his greatest passions was working with birdlife.

“I’ve always been interested in birds, I established the Association of Avian Veterinarians which has more than 70 members across Australia and America,” he said.

“I have had over 2000 budgerigars in my life and now I look after rare and endangered chickens at my farm in NSW.

“As a passionate bird man, it has been fascinating seeing what Rose’s impressive facility which contains birds in various stages of growing, healing and recovery.”

Ms Best said although she didn’t enjoy the limelight, it was fantastic to get exposure for PWCA’s lifesaving work on a national stage.

“People need to be aware we are here, there are so few of us wildlife carers around the region and we receive very limited funding,” she said.

“I am very much the face of PWCA at the moment but it has to grow past me, I want something sustainable which is why national coverage is just awesome.

“To be able to watch a bird’s recovery is so special...the rehabilitation is all about working towards the release and now I can spread that message to an audience across the country.”

Dr Harry said after more than 2000 house calls spanning across his 35 year television career, his trip to the Pilbara had left a lasting impression.

“This is the most amazing country-you’ve got this red rock, vivid blue sea, big white heaps of salt-the contrasting colours are breathtaking,” he said.

“There’s so much to see here in the Pilbara, you’ve got Karijini and the islands off the coast but how many people get to experience this magnificent countryside?

“That is why we travel Australia on the show, to promote areas like this so people have a desire to come and see it for themselves.”

“I’m a passionate Australian, I think we have a great country and this is one of the last unexplored vast areas of Australia.”

Dr Harry’s visit to the Pilbara Wildlife Carer’s Association will air on Better Homes and Gardens on Friday September 18.

For more information about PWCA, email info@pwca.org.au or visit pwca.org.au.