Veterinarian, film-maker and conservationist Dr Stephen Van Mil is the Founder and CEO of Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. Alongside his veterinary colleague Dr Evan Kosack, Dr Van Mil saw the need for a dedicated wildlife hospital to prevent extinction and decline of native species and maximise their chances of long-term recovery.  He has built and operated several veterinary hospitals and has worked as the veterinary presenter on the Today Show.

Stephen co-founded Orangutan Foundation International Australia and has led scores of eco-tours to Borneo, Africa and the Amazon. He was co-founder of Assistance Dogs for Independence and for six years, its President. He has also been Patron of Zoo Peru and Wilderness Warriors.

Stephen’s intrepid travels around the globe have led him to produce many award-winning wildlife documentaries including White Lions: King of Kings for Discovery Channel/Animal Planet, Saving Orangutans for Ten Network and The Last Trimate, featuring the extraordinary orangutan work of noted primatologist, Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas.