<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Sea World Foundation has unveiled a $10 million marine animal hospital on the </span><a href="http://www.9news.com.au/gold-coast" rel="" target="" title="Gold Coast"><span>Gold Coast</span></a><span>, designed to provide enhanced care for marine wildlife.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The new hospital will feature specialised equipment to treat larger marine mammals, including those of dolphin size.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>According to Claire Madden, head vet at Sea World, the facility represents a significant upgrade in capabilities.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/east-coast-low-fears-of-bomb-cyclone-sydney-nsw-coast/058a06e0-ee22-472d-acd8-79afe1046280" target="_blank"><strong><span>Millions on alert as 'dangerous' storm ramps up flood fears</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"They are in this larger body of water to increase their fitness and for that final veterinary assessment," Madden said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"More than ever we are seeing an increase in marine wildlife requiring interventions in assistance, and having these new facilities is not just going to increase our capabilities to assist with marine conservation, but it's going to improve the quality of care."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A key feature of the hospital is a purpose-built surgical theatre equipped for marine wildlife procedures.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/sea-world-unveils-new-marine-animal-hospital-on-the-gold-coast-queensland-news/b8d4bd21-fa5d-44af-9e32-9ab2da218ca2" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We do have plans for advanced imagery which is something that we don't have capabilities for," she said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The hospital's design incorporates public viewing areas, allowing visitors to observe the lifesaving work.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Being able to provide that really beautiful connection piece with our visitors is a really core conservation value that we are focused on."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has lauded the project.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"What will end up being here on this site will be not only spectacular, but so, so rewarding," Powell said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The marine animal hospital is scheduled to be operational by the end of next year.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This article was produced with the assistance of</span></em><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/9express/16480c33-636a-461f-9c4f-d0e2522c722a"><em><span>9ExPress</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></div></div>