Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Welcome to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, located just thirty minutes north of Hobart. While it may look like a wildlife park, Bonorong—a name derived from an Aboriginal word meaning 'native companion'—is actually a mission in…

Our first stop is the enclosure of the headline act: the Tasmanian Devil. These iconic marsupials have a reputation for being 'dirty, stinky, and vicious,' but as the keepers here will tell you, those are largely misconceptions. …

As we move further into the sanctuary, we encounter the wombats. These sturdy, ground-dwelling marsupials are far more complex than their sleepy appearance suggests. …

Now, we enter 'Kanga Country,' one of the most beloved areas of the sanctuary. Here, a large mob of Forester kangaroos and smaller wallabies roam freely across the hillside. …

Bonorong’s rescue service doesn't just stop at furry creatures; they are also a primary center for bird rehabilitation. Throughout the sanctuary, you will find various aviaries housing owls, eagles, and colorful parrots. …

In the quieter corners of Bonorong, you might find the Tasmanian Patty Melon and the elusive Eastern Quoll. The Patty Melon is a small, round marsupial—its name comes from its rounded lower half—and they are often mistaken for…

Behind the scenes at Bonorong is a sophisticated program of 'conservation medicine.' This isn't just about bandaging wounds; it's about genetics and population health. For species like the Tasmanian Devil, the sanctuary…

As our tour of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary comes to an end, I hope you leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of Tasmanian conservation. We have met the feisty devils, the powerful wombats, and the…