My life is a passionate journey dedicated to the care , release and rescue of precious Australian native wildlife. What started out as a one off assignment caring for an orphaned Black-striped wallaby, whose mother had been run over while he was in her pouch, has literally over-taken my life and home.
In the case of the Black- striped wallaby who was my baptism into native wildlife care, the story didn't have such a happy ending. Not only was he orphaned, but he had a broken leg. I did what many would do and took him to the local vet. Stretched to provide intensive care, The vet convinced me to have the poor baby euthanized. Afterwards, I regretted the decision. It always left me wondering if he would have made a recovery with the right care and attention.
That was 20 years ago! Today, my small acreage property currently homes 18 native wildlife animals – all with different care needs and at various stages of release. Over these years, my son Jason and I have cared for many animals and birds, including Eastern
In the case of the Black- striped wallaby who was my baptism into native wildlife care, the story didn't have such a happy ending. Not only was he orphaned, but he had a broken leg. I did what many would do and took him to the local vet. Stretched to provide intensive care, The vet convinced me to have the poor baby euthanized. Afterwards, I regretted the decision. It always left me wondering if he would have made a recovery with the right care and attention.
That was 20 years ago! Today, my small acreage property currently homes 18 native wildlife animals – all with different care needs and at various stages of release. Over these years, my son Jason and I have cared for many animals and birds, including Eastern
Grey kangaroos which I specialise in, Wallabies, Bettongs, Bandicoots and Brush tail possums. I am literally on call to them 24/7. Its like having a tribe of children, only when one leaves, another one comes.
The reward of the hard work for me is to see a native animal released in full health again, back to its natural habitat. That joy is ten fold when one of them returns to show you her baby.
The care I provide to these cherished animals is all voluntary for the sheer love of wildlife. I do not receive any government assistance of remuneration and rely heavily on the generosity of friends, fellow animal carers and local vets who kindly offer their professional service at no cost.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my long time friend Stan, a fellow carer from the N.T. who has taught me so much about the care of animals not only medically but also their emotional needs which is so important.
The help and advice I have been given from a dedicated caring Vet, Mike at Sugarland Vet Clinic has been invaluable. He is always there to help. I have also been inspired and educated by my friend, the amazing wildlife author, lecturer of marsupial husbandry and disease, Lynda Staker.
She has helped me at all times of the day and night when I would need specialized opinions on wounded and sick animals. Her book, “Don't Step Backwards” has saved the lives of countless joeys. Now her new manual. “The complete Guide to the Care of Macropods” adds to her writing collection and is a great read with loads more information.
The help and advice I have been given from a dedicated caring Vet, Mike at Sugarland Vet Clinic has been invaluable. He is always there to help. I have also been inspired and educated by my friend, the amazing wildlife author, lecturer of marsupial husbandry and disease, Lynda Staker.
She has helped me at all times of the day and night when I would need specialized opinions on wounded and sick animals. Her book, “Don't Step Backwards” has saved the lives of countless joeys. Now her new manual. “The complete Guide to the Care of Macropods” adds to her writing collection and is a great read with loads more information.
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