Liberty Foundation Leads Rehoming Initiative
Australia’s first dedicated adoption centre for research animals has opened in Wyong, New South Wales. The Liberty Adoption Centre offers a new beginning for small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice previously used in research projects.
The independent not-for-profit organisation, Liberty Foundation Australia (LFA), operates the centre. Since 2017, LFA has been successful in rehoming hundreds of animals, including dogs and cats.
The NSW Government supports the centre through the Research Animals Rehoming Grant programme. Paula Wallace, Director of LFA, described the opening as a landmark moment for ex-research animals.
Community Demand for Rehoming
By the end of this year, LFA expects to celebrate its 1,000th adoption, illustrating the increasing demand for adopting research animals. It is one of only two organisations in Australia exclusively focused on this cause.
The centre features purpose-built facilities, including gymnasium areas for rats to exercise, naturalistic enclosures for mice, and soft playrooms for social development. These elements help animals adapt to life as pets.
Paula Wallace highlighted the mutual benefits of adopting research animals, saying, “There is clearly a benefit for animals in being able to live out the course of their natural lives in the community.”
The Liberty Adoption Centre is located at 6 Rose Street, Wyong NSW. It operates from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Interested individuals can book appointments online.
This initiative showcases a compassionate approach to animal welfare in the Central Coast and New South Wales. Wallace noted, “It really is amazing to witness the capacity of these animals for love and connection,” urging people to consider adoption.
Liberty Foundation Australia continues its operations through donations and government support, aiming to highlight the positive outcomes of rehoming research animals.
