The Project
The Tasmanian Wildlife & Penguin
Refuge is a haven for sick, injured, displaced and orphaned animals and marine
life. Animals are rescued or brought into the sanctuary and receive medical
care before being returned to the wild. Animals include a variety of animals
and marine life such as wallabies, pademelons, echidnas, wombats, penguins,
sugar gliders and even Tasmanian devils!
The
objective of the shelter is to release as many animals back into the wild as
possible, therefore, when animals are rescued or brought into the sanctuary,
they receive medical care and recover before being returned to their natural
habitat. Care encompasses bottle feeding
babies, exercising animals, administering medication and providing a nurturing
environment as many very young joeys respond to cuddles like all babies. The
animals are dehumanised before release.
The
shelter also raises baby Tasmanian devils, although these animals are under the
direction of the Government’s Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP), which is
the official response to the threat of extinction of the Tasmanian devil due to
Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).
Fiordland Crested Penguins and Little Blue
Penguins are most likely in care from December to April but this changes every
year due to the climate changing. They also take into care unwanted, preloved
companion and aviary birds and rehome them.
Volunteer
contributions go towards animal care & husbandry, the day to day running of
the shelter and the upgrading of the facilities.
Wildlife Release Program
Wildlife is released into the wild
when ready in a variety of places as per the suitability of the species,
Bennetts wallabys, Tasmanian Pademelons and Eastern Grey Kangaroos are released
from onsite. Tasmanian Devils are vet checked and a biopsy performed to
determine their genetic suitability, then mostly released at the site of
capture by government project staff.
The Location
Bicheno is
located 185kms North-East of Hobart, in Tasmania. With only a population of 950
people, it never has any shortage of people due to the appeal that is has to
tourists. It is one of the East Coasts most popular holiday destinations due to
the stunning coastal scenery and unique activities on offer, and aside from
swimming, foreshore walks and beachcombing, Bicheno offers fantastic wildlife
experiences. Bicheno is a fishing town, therefore there is an array of fresh
seafood available as well as an abundance of great restaurants and cafes. Just
a short drive away are vineyards, National Parks, beaches and nature watching
including the penguin parade as they waddle up the beach to their burrows, a
favourite activity for tourists.
The Surrounding Area
Tasmania, an
isolated island state off Australia’s south coast, is known for its vast,
rugged wilderness areas which are largely protected within parks and reserves,
and its fine foods and cuisines, especially high-quality cheeses, wines and
chocolate. Tassie is also home to the breweries of some of Australia's most
respected modern beer brands such as Cascade and Boags.
Hobart is the
capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania and sits on the River Derwent.
At its fashionable Salamanca Place, old sandstone warehouses house galleries
and cafes and markets bustle on a weekend. Nearby is Battery Point, a historic
district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages. Battery Point was
settled in the earliest days of Hobart Town in the early 1800’s, and has
retained the winding streets, colonial architecture and historical ambiance
that make it one of the most fascinating historic precincts in all of
Australia. The city's backdrop is 1,270m-high Mount Wellington, with sweeping
views, plus hiking and cycling trails.
What to Bring
- Long trousers
- Long sleeve shirts
- Trainers with good tread on them for general work
- Gumboots or hiking / work boots
- Mosquito spray
- Sunhat
Please Note
The second instalment of your project fees is
due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This
is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90
days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll
down to the section "Program Fees“.
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