Having had a passion for reptiles since he was a kid, Nick joined us as a work experience student 3 years ago, spending one day a week as a volunteer. He’s just graduated from high school (Congratulations!) so we are delighted to welcome him on board as a casual ranger. With our support, Nick is […]
We are proud to announce that Private Hope Tenacious, mascot of the 11th Combat Service Battalion (11CSSB) has been promoted to Corporal! Lieutenant Colonel Wendy Wheadon CSC bestowed the honour, accompanied by Warrant Officer 1 Jamie Otto. WO1 Otto explained that promotion was a bit overdue, as Hope has been a Private for 5 years […]
Ranger Lachie, our team leader in the bird department, is heading back south. Lachie joined us as a volunteer two years ago, having graduated with a degree in Zoology and Marine Science from JCU. He soon earned his khaki shirt and became a full-time ranger in the bird department headed by Ranger Mick. Together they […]
A huge Billabong THANK YOU to all who voted for us in the North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards. We are thrilled to bits that we won the People’s Choice Award for Tours, Attractions & Experiences. YOUR votes got us over the line, and we are busting proud that you all value Billabong Sanctuary so […]
Ranger Maddie is leaving us to explore new horizons and spend more time with her family. Maddie was studying chemistry at JCU when she joined us as a volunteer in mid-2020. She soon realized that her true passion was working with animals and by December she had swapped her green t-shirt for a khaki uniform, […]
Look who’s Here! New endangered greater bilbies have just arrived! We are so excited to welcome two female bilbies, Tanami and Ninu, to Billabong Sanctuary! Both 2 years old, they come from a captive breeding programme at Charleville, managed by the Save the Bilby Fund. The greater bilby was on the brink of extinction because […]
Warm congratulations to Ranger Boen who has just been confirmed as our new Head of Mammals-Team Leader. Boen has been with us as a general ranger for about a year and a half– you may even have seen him feeding our big crocs! But his first love is mammals—he worked with koalas at Lone Pine […]
Nick gained a wealth of zookeeping experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo while he earned his TAFE Cert III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal care. A highlight: He was part of the team when Matobo the black rhino calf was born! His passion however is reptiles, and he moved on to Australian Reptile Park, working […]
Today we celebrate the huge contribution that zookeepers make to the care and conservation of all species, great and small. Our Rangers dedicate their days to ensuring animals receive the best care possible. From preparing specialized diets to creating enriching environments, they go above and beyond to support the health and happiness of the animals. […]
Sydney worked for 6 ½ years at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary in her native state of Georgia, where she helped train bears, wolves and coyotes! With a university degree under her belt (Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Veterinary Science) she is looking to expand her knowledge of Australian fauna, especially reptiles. Like all […]
