Wombat Awareness Organisation
By Tristan Tancredi
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A Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat
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We here at Web Wombat like to think we do what we can for our Marsupial namesake. The Wombat Awareness Organisation is one such organisation that tackles wombat protection head on to make for a healthier future for our compact Australian treasures.
The WAO works with the rescue and rehabilitation of the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat. Mainly found on the southern stretches of central Australia, including the coastal region of South Australia and along the north eastern corner of Western Australia, the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat can grow to lengths of 75 to 100cm. It is currently on the endangered species list.
More docile then their Wombat relatives, these Wombats are often inexcusably culled, mistreated and perceived incorrectly by people. The Wombat Awareness Organisation was formed to enhance our understanding of these creatures:
"Our aim is to revolutionize the perception of wombats, promoting welfare and conservation of the species".
THE WAO has founded land designed to protect the wombats, providing a rehabilitation centre as well as on site housing facilities. They aim to continue to acquire and maintain land to facilitate the program. The Portee Station located in South Australia requires wider community support in order to maintain operations and continue to supply assistance to the Wombats.
Projects undertaken by WAO at Portee Station include providing food and water during droughts, planting crops to determine Wombat preferences, research to avoid culling, the rescue of Wombats and many other important tasks.
One example of the fine work achieved by these volunteers is the caring and nurturing of "Bean Bag", a 12 month old wombat shot five times for target practice. Stumbling across Bean Bag, he was taken under the wings of the WAO and treated at the Wombat Intensive Care Unit in South Australia. Donate to the Bean Bag fund on the WAO website.
WAO is a non profit organisation. Volunteers carry out the tasks for the love of these creatures, they rely on donations and assistance from the wider community. Donations can be made directly through their website. For $40 you can purchase an acre of land in the South Australian conservation area. If you are unsure as to a donation, sign their petition.
Lets continue to support this Australian icon for a sustainable future. The best way to do this is to show our support to the Wombat Awareness Organisation.
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