Summary
Wildlife in Australia is unique and fascinating. Nowhere else on earth can you find kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and dingoes. While there is a bounty on many animals in Australia, there are wildlife sanctuaries on Kangaroo Island that provide comfort and homes to animals in need.
It’s challenging to comprehend the culling that occurs in Australia, which often gets discussed. Given the environmental issues left by early settlers, it’s somewhat understandable.
Australia was severely impacted by the introduction of invasive species, such as rabbits during the rabbit plague, feral goats, cane toads, foxes, and feral cats, which have all caused significant damage to the environment.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Sanctuaries
Many people adore wildlife in Australia, as evidenced by our experiences on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
While encountering animals in the wild is thrilling, certain places on the island rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals, allowing them to either live out their days or be reintroduced into the wild.
Nothing compares to witnessing animals in their natural environment; however, it’s heartwarming to see efforts made to care for wildlife in distress, giving us a chance for closer interactions.
Here are some of our favorite wildlife encounters at animal sanctuaries on Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island Birds of Prey
The Kangaroo Island Birds of Prey show offers insights into birds native to Australia.
This sanctuary rehabilitates injured birds and features those that cannot return to the wild during shows.
The birds exude joy, displaying distinct personalities and a strong rapport with the dedicated staff, who share a profound love for wildlife.
Notably, the sanctuary is run by Dave and Leeza Irwin, family of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Visiting here contributes positively to wildlife conservation efforts.
My favorite moment was when everyone cheered for “Casper,” the barn owl part of the show. Curiously, he flew onto the stage, delighting us with his charm.
Another exciting moment occurred when a raptor effortlessly pecked open a fake egg to access the meat inside, showcasing its natural instincts.
This sanctuary also allowed us to see our first kookaburra, an experience cherished especially by us Canadians, who were thrilled by the sight.
If you can only attend one show on Kangaroo Island, make sure it is this one.
For more information, visit the Raptor Domain’s website.
Kangaroos in the Wild
I remember tweeting about our visit to Kangaroo Island when someone mentioned that they didn’t see a kangaroo. The key to success is a knowledgeable guide.
Terry from Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours knows precisely where to spot kangaroos in the wild.
During our walk through a conservation area, we saw numerous kangaroos foraging for leaves and resting in cozy groups, allowing us an amazing opportunity to be in their midst.
Kangaroo Wildlife Park
We also visited a Wildlife Park, dedicated to caring for injured and orphaned animals. Terry informed us that people often bring kangaroos to the sanctuary. Once rescued, these kangaroos cannot return to the wild, so they reside in a designated area.
Fortunately, they thrive in a spacious environment with shade, food, and water, and visitors are welcome to interact with them safely.
Make sure to purchase a bucket of pellets to feed the kangaroos. The joy of having them eat directly from your hand is an unforgettable experience.
If you’re eager to see koalas up close, this park provides outstanding opportunities, although rules must be observed, and touching should be avoided.
Koalas, like their wild counterparts, spend a significant amount of time sleeping, appearing quite comfortable nestled in their trees.
For more details, check out Parndana Wildlife Park.
Koalas
If you’re keen on observing koalas in a more natural setting, a visit to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary should be on your itinerary.
This sanctuary is famous for the Koala Walk, where koalas can be seen relaxing luxuriously in eucalyptus trees.
Given that koalas sleep approximately 20 hours a day, walking through the sanctuary offers you a chance to explore under the shade of its many eucalyptus trees.
Spotting a koala can be challenging, but don’t worry; they provide markers if there are recent sightings, guiding you to look for the yellow signs under specific trees.
Find out more about Hanson Bay at their website.
Seal Bay
Not just land-dwelling creatures face threats; Australian sea lions are also endangered. At Seal Bay, a breeding colony can often be spotted lounging on the sandy beach.
A boardwalk leads beachgoers down close to the resting sea lions, providing an opportunity to observe them from a safe distance.
Mothers leave their pups to hunt at sea for days, while informative displays illustrate seals’ diving capabilities, reaching depths of up to 100 meters.
Watching the sea lions interact, play, and bask in the warmth was a delightful experience, especially as they lounged together for warmth.
A ranger is on hand to provide insight and ensure guests view the sea lions safely and responsibly.
Australia’s Fragile Ecosystem
Australia’s ecosystem is incredibly delicate due to decisions made by early settlers.
Today, wildlife populations face management through culling, and even native animals like kangaroos are adversely affected by these practices.
With an estimated 50 million kangaroos competing for resources, the strain on food and water has become evident. Reports suggest that hunters cull approximately 5 million kangaroos each year.
Unfortunately, without culling, kangaroos may suffer slow, painful deaths due to dehydration, as we witnessed firsthand in the Outback where carcasses lay scattered.
Animal Sanctuaries and Conservation
While it would be ideal to have no wildlife in captivity, it isn’t feasible in today’s world.
Efforts through conservation areas and national parks are promising in protecting wildlife and their natural habitats, while sanctuaries provide safe spaces for those unable to return to the wild.
Our experiences demonstrated that the sanctuaries on Kangaroo Island truly dedicate themselves to animal welfare and conservation education.
We hope that future generations will have the chance to experience the diverse wildlife of Australia, just as we have!
Seascape Lodge
Dinner at the Seascape Lodge left our dining companions envious when we recounted our experience.
Two guests opted out of attending the raptor show due to previous experiences, only to regret missing out after hearing our stories.
We had similar reservations before attending; however, the raptor show far surpassed our expectations compared to the previous bird show we had seen in Ecuador. We were delighted we chose to attend.
For accommodation options on Kangaroo Island, visit SeaScape Lodge.
Our trip to South Australia was made possible by South Australia tourism.
