A MUCH-loved Kalamunda community figure and wildlife conservation pioneer has died, aged 90.

June Butcher, who founded the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre with her husband Lloyd, passed away in Melbourne.

Mrs Butcher was widely known across the Hills for her work caring for injured and orphaned native animals and for decades of service to the community as a district infant health nurse.

Hundreds of hills families remember her dedication to supporting young parents and newborns during her years working in child health services.

Friends recalled her fierce commitment to her patients, with one father recounting how she once challenged hospital staff who tried to prevent her from visiting a mother suffering post-natal depression.

“I have every right to be here. These are my patients,” she reportedly told the superintendent.

Mrs Butcher’s passion for wildlife eventually led to the creation of Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which began in the late 1970s when she and her husband started caring for injured animals from their home in Gooseberry Hill.

The operation quickly grew and in 1986 the couple formally established Kanyana, which has since become one of Western Australia’s leading wildlife rehabilitation organisations.

Today the centre in Lesmurdie cares for thousands of injured, sick and orphaned native animals each year and is supported by hundreds of volunteers.

Mrs Butcher’s contributions to conservation and community service were widely recognised.

She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2002 for her work in wildlife conservation and captive breeding programs for threatened species.

She was also a national finalist for Senior Australian of the Year in 2010 and received several environmental and volunteer awards recognising her leadership and dedication.

Through Kanyana, Mrs Butcher helped establish breeding programs for threatened species such as bilbies and Western barred bandicoots while also educating the public about wildlife care and conservation.

Friends say her passion for wildlife and commitment to helping others leaves a lasting legacy in the Perth Hills community.

A celebration of June Butcher’s life will be held at Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at 10.30am on March 28.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.