BUTCHER June  NEW

Researched and compiled by Gordon Freegard using information gathered from many sources including the Kanyana Website.

June's journey began in the 1970s, rescuing and caring for injured wildlife in her own laundry in Gooseberry Hill. What started as a humble act of kindness blossomed into one of Australia's most respected wildlife hospitals.

In 1986, alongside her husband Lloyd, June officially founded Kanyana. With no government funding, she transformed their home into a sanctuary, providing care for countless native animals.

FOUNDER JUNE BUTCHER            #1
 

    KANYANA'S LOGO       #2
 

Her commitment led to the establishment of breeding programs for threatened species like the Bilby and Woylie, ensuring their survival for future generations.

June's vision extended beyond rehabilitation. She championed education, reaching over 40,000 people annually, and fostered a community of over 500 dedicated volunteers. Her efforts earned her the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2002 and the title of WA Senior Australian of the Year in 2010.

Thanks to June's perseverance, Kanyana has admitted over 55,000 animals since its inception, and now each year sees more than 4,000 admissions. Her impact continues to be felt in every life saved and every person inspired

THEIR  PLEDGE TO CONSERVE

At Kanyana, they support the recovery of threatened species through breeding and conservation programs, training and research; educating schools and the wider community. 

They are one of only 5 organisations within Western Australia that have regional membership of the  Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA). ZAA is the peak body representing wildlife parks, zoos, and sanctuaries aquariums across Australasia and upholds its members to the highest standards. Committed to rescuing efforts, they accept any native wildlife to our hospital between 8.00am and 6.00pm, 365 days a year.  

Theirr engaging guided tours and school programs (booking only) deliver a rich learning experience to all. They strive to educate everyone on our vital work, emphasising the significance of conservation and how to ensure native animal species thrive for many more generations.  

With a long and proud history of helping wildlife and aiding conservation efforts, Kanyana has had a longstanding commitment to the welfare of native animals. Kanyana depends entirely upon the support of kind donations and volunteers to bring its vision to life.  

TIMELINE

Established in the 1970s by June and Lloyd Butcher in their home laundry in Gooseberry Hill, Kanyana quickly expanded and took over the whole of their home.

In 1986 a basic hospital and enclosures were designed and built by Lloyd to June's specifications in the backyard of their 3-hectare (7.4-acre) property. In that same year Kanyana admitted seventy animals.

In 1989 the hospital doubled in size again.

In 1993 captive breeding of western Barred Bandicoots  began and Kanyana was incorporated as a voluntary organisation with about 20 volunteers.

In 1994 their education program started with nocturnal tours of the centre and visits to schools in the greater Perth area.

In 1996 captive breeding of bilbies began.

In the early 2000s a formal research program in conjunction with Murdoch Veterinary School  began. Kanyana began conducting training programs for other organisations.

     HELP IS AT HAND      #3
 

     HELP IS AT HAND      #4
 

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       HELP IS AT HAND    #6
 

      HELP IS AT HAND     #7
 

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In 2006 when a parasite was discovered during research into the papilloma/polyoma virus affecting western barred bandicoots it was named eimeria kanyana in commendation for Kanyana's dedicated work with the bandicoots (and many other animals). By 2008 admissions to the centre exceeded 1,800 per year.

In 2010 Kanyana moved to Paxwold, the
purpose built facility funded by
Lottertwest with support received from the
Western Australian Department of Environment of Conservation and 
Kalamunda Shire.

In 2012 Kanyana's Wildlife Discovery Centre was established with funding fromChevron Australia, and Kanyana is supported by more than 300 volunteers.

   KANYANAS  NEW FACILITIES AT PAXWALD        #9
 

  KANYANAS  NEW FACILITIES AT PAXWALD       #10
 

    HOSTIPAL WORKERS       #11
 

   HOSPITAL WORKER        #12
 

    VOLUNTEER WITH EMU       #13
 

      VOLUNTEER WITH OWL     #14
 

  JUNE BUTCHER         #15
 

By 2014 admissions exceeded 2,400 for the year and Kanyana was awarded the Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards: The President's Award and the Staff Training and Development Award.

In 2015 the Zoo and Aquarium Association admitted Kanyana as an Associate Institutional Member after a glowing report from the Association's Accreditation Program. I

n 2016 it was awarded the Zoo and Aquarium Association In-situ Conservation Award for its woylie breeding program, as well as the Western Australian Small Business Environment Award the following year. Kanyana offers volunteers training, education programs and advance-booked public tours of its facilities such as its conservation area(s), wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre.

THE SAD PASSING OF JUNE

It is with great sadness to share the news that June Butcher, the founder of Kanyana, passed away in March 2026.

June’s compassion for wildlife led her to begin caring for injured native animals many years ago, laying the foundations for what would become Kanyana. What started as one person wanting to help wildlife in need has grown into a community of hundreds of volunteers and supporters working together to rescue, rehabilitate and protect native animals.

LLOYD & JUNE BUTCHER ON THEIR WEDING DAY          #16
 

Today, thousands of animals receive care every year because of the path June started.

Her legacy is not just the organisation she created, but the culture of compassion and care for wildlife that continues to inspire people to get involved and make a difference.

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:         Research by Gordon Freegard

                                  Images:     1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16        Kanyana Web Site
                                                  
                                                 

Copyright :   Gordon Freegard     2008 - 2026