Motorists travelling through O’Halloran Hill will likely have noticed a cluster of buildings taking shape at a busy construction site on the north-west corner of South and Majors Roads. RSPCA South Australia’s long-awaited new home within Glenthorne National Park is on track to open in April next year, and the organisation has just announced a one-off chance to “own” part of the facility, described as a game-changer for animal welfare in SA.
Key areas within the landmark development are now open to sponsorship, enabling people to put their family name, business name or the name of a loved one to places where animals will rest, recover and play. Structures available for sponsorship include dog suites, cat condos, rabbit and guinea pig enclosures, outdoor enrichment areas for dogs and nurseries for animals with offspring. There are also sponsorship opportunities within what will be South Australia’s first dedicated wildlife hospital, providing specialised veterinary treatment to injured and ill native animals and birds and supporting the efforts of wildlife rescue volunteers.
The completion of this major development will – for the first time – centre all RSPCA SA operations on the one site. The state’s leading animal welfare organisation currently has its main animal shelter within an industrial zone at Lonsdale and its administration, inspectorate, legal and rescue teams in headquarters at Stepney. Built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Lonsdale facility is now the oldest RSPCA shelter in Australia. The accommodation for animals no longer meets acceptable standards, and is in stark contrast to the new, purpose-built facilities, designed to support best-practice care for a range of different species.
For the organisation’s CEO Marcus Gehrig, the new campus reflects the increasingly high priority given to the protection and care of animals by the South Australian community.
“I see this development as symbolic of our greater understanding, appreciation and respect for animals, and acknowledgement of the responsibility we all have to treat them well and care for them properly so that they live happy, healthy lives,’ says Marcus.
“In 2025, it will be 150 years since RSPCA first began helping animals in South Australia – we have come a long way since then in terms of the numbers and diversity of species that we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome.
“We’re proud of our achievements, including rehoming a record 6,240 animals last year, and acknowledge the compassionate members of our society whose donations make all of it possible.
“Big-hearted animal lovers now have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the joy animals bring to our lives by sponsoring part of this very special place.
“Quality, loving care – including specialised veterinary care for injured and ill wildlife – is going to turn around the lives of so many animals who will be coming to this haven on the hill from all kinds of situations and in all kinds of conditions.
“With community support, we are able to give animals help and hope when they need it most, and I’m confident this limited offer to have family and business names associated with such positive outcomes will have wide appeal.”
The sponsorship opportunities are available to individuals and families, as well as groups of friends and colleagues, and provide a particularly impactful way to celebrate the life of a loved one.
To find out more about naming rights at the new animal care campus visit:
