Veterinarian, film-maker and conservationist Dr Stephen Van Mil is the Founder and CEO of Wildlife Recovery Australia, a nonprofit environmental conservation group based in Northern Rivers NSW. 

Dr Van Mil saw the need for a dedicated wildlife hospital in his home region of the Northern Rivers to prevent extinction and decline of native species and maximise their chances of long-term recovery.  

Since 2020 Stephen has led Wildlife Recovery Australia’s growth to establish facilities and businesses including Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre, Ocean Warriors Australia, and Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital, aka Matilda, the world’s first and only full licensed mobile wildlife hospital. 

Stephen co-founded Orangutan Foundation International Australia and has led 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.