A couple helped fund a new hospital for rescued wildlife in Thailand; it opened in December 2025 to provide emergency treatment and ongoing care

For rescued wild animals, timely medical care can determine whether they recover or survive. The wildlife rescuers of Thailand, for many years, have taken care of wild animals that were either hurt, mistreated, and vulnerable, but inadequate medical facilities made it hard to take care of some of those animals. In December 2025, a new wildlife hospital opened in Thailand to expand the care available for animals arriving from rescue situations. It was made possible with major support from donors Monique and Arend, who helped fund its construction. The new Wildlife Hospital of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) was reported to be officially opened on December 10, 2025, creating a larger space for emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Why Thailand needed a wildlife hospital

Monique and Arend Arling were among the donors recognised by WFFT for supporting the development of the new hospital. On the day of the hospital’s opening, WFFT acknowledged their efforts together with those of other donors who played a role in the completion of the project.


Rescued wild animals often arrive with complicated medical histories. There are cases where they might have been injured, neglected, held illegally, or even exploited before getting to a rescue center. Treating them is more complex than basic veterinary care because doctors must consider not only the injury but also whether the animal can eventually return to the wild. The reason why WFFT built its new hospital was the increase in the number of animals that require special treatment and care. The organisation stated that its previous medical facility was no longer enough to meet the growing demand for specialised treatment.

Why wildlife medicine is different

A broken bone in a wild animal is not only a medical matter. Veterinarians need to also think about whether or not the animal will be able to live on its own after treatment. Whether the rescued animal is a monkey, elephant, or bird, veterinarians must assess each individual based on its behaviour and previous experiences with humans. Some animals can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, while others require permanent care. The WFFT’s wildlife hospital supports emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing veterinary care for animals that cannot be released.

Not every rescue begins in the wild

Many wildlife patients do not arrive at rescue centres because of natural accidents alone. Some become victims of human activities. Animals rescued by organisations such as WFFT have included individuals affected by illegal wildlife trade, exploitation, and unsuitable captivity. Some rescued animals require permanent care because the conditions they experienced before rescue prevent them from returning safely to nature. This creates a difficult reality for conservation groups. The new WFFT building has expanded the organisation’s ability to provide care for a wide range of rescued animals. Media reports surrounding the centre have mentioned that it is home to hundreds of animals of many species, resulting in a requirement for expert veterinary care.

The infrastructure behind wildlife conservation

Wildlife hospitals are not only treatment centres for injured animals. They also support rehabilitation techniques, train veterinary teams to work with rare species, and provide long-term care for animals that cannot return to the wild. The challenge after the hospital’s opening has been maintaining the resources needed for long-term operations. Unlike a one-time rescue effort, medical care for wildlife requires continuous funding, specialised staff, and equipment.