Picture this: You’re standing face-to-face with a Tasmanian devil, its notorious growl just a whisper as it gently takes food from your hand. This isn’t a dream – it’s just another Tuesday at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where the impossible becomes everyday magic. Hidden in the rolling hills of Brighton, just 30 minutes from Hobart, this 24-acre sanctuary isn’t just another wildlife park. It’s a beacon of hope, a sanctuary in the truest sense, and quite possibly the gold standard for wildlife conservation in Australia.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Sanctuary’s Heart-Wrenching Mission
What sets Bonorong apart isn’t just the fact that Bonorong is a Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania run by a passionate team of like-minded people with a Wildlife Hospital to facilitate our 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service. It’s the raw, emotional connection visitors feel when they realize every single animal here has a story of survival. Bonorong Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary that takes in hurt and abandoned young animals, with the hopes of releasing them back into the wild. But here’s the kicker – all of the animals at Bonorong are either too young to be released back into the wild safely, or have some sort of injury or handicap, which prevents them from being released. Some might call this heartbreaking; I call it heroic. These animals don’t just survive here – they thrive, becoming ambassadors for their species while teaching us humans what resilience really looks like.
The Revolutionary Wildlife Hospital That’s Changing Everything
The Revolutionary Wildlife Hospital That’s Changing Everything (image credits: unsplash)
Opening in 2018, Bonorong Wildlife Rescue became Tasmania’s first veterinary hospital dedicated to wildlife, and it’s not just any hospital – it’s a game-changer. Picture a state-of-the-art medical facility where in 2023, they treated more than 1,200 animals across an unparalleled range of species, from the magnificent wedge-tailed eagle to the diminutive pardalote, and the endangered Tasmanian devil to the curious platypus. The most mind-blowing part? The Wildlife Hospital’s main treatment rooms have a modern viewing area installed so that guests to the Sanctuary can become a part of the rehabilitation experience. The viewing windows are made of one-way glass so that the patients can be watched by people in a setting that is safe and comfortable for their needs. It’s like having a front-row seat to miracles happening in real-time.
24/7 Heroes: The Round-the-Clock Rescue Service
While most of us are sleeping soundly in our beds, Bonorong’s rescue team is out there saving lives. They receive some 17,500 calls every year for injured and orphaned wildlife needing assistance. The Primary Care Teams will service many of these calls directly and see an average of 120 wildlife patients needing care each week at the Sanctuary. Think about that for a moment – 120 animals every single week getting a second chance at life. This isn’t just impressive statistics; it’s a testament to human compassion at its finest. Petra has been instrumental in the success of Bonorong’s conservation programs, all of which have the under-lying goal of preserving Tasmanian wildlife. These programs include the creation of Tasmania’s only 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service, implementation of the state’s first seabird rehabilitation facility.
Meet the Residents: From Devils to Darlings
On average, the sanctuary contains about 200 animals from 25 different species including eastern grey kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, sugar gliders, eastern quolls, sulphur-crested cockatoos, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, tawny frogmouths, echidnas and eastern bettongs. But these aren’t just any animals – at Bonorong you will see native animals which are extinct everywhere but Tasmania such as the famous Tassie Devil, Tasmanian Bettong, Eastern Quoll and Tasmanian Pademelon. Walking through Bonorong is like stepping into a living museum of Australian wildlife, where some of the rarest creatures on Earth call home. They also have free-roaming Forester kangaroos who are always keen for a good scratch on the chest and some gentle hand feeding (roo food included with entry).
The Devil in the Details: Fighting Extinction One Animal at a Time
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the devil in the sanctuary. Tasmanian Devils facial tumor disease (DFTD) is severely impacting the population of this wild animal. Since after emerging in 1996, it has spread across most of the range of the species, leading to a population decline of more than 60%, these iconic marsupials have been teetering on the brink of extinction. But here’s where Bonorong shines brightest. Tasmanian devils face extinction in the wild because of devil facial tumor disease, a rare, contagious cancer found only in devils. It is transmitted from one animal to another through biting, a common behavior among devils when mating and feeding. The disease kills all infected devils within 6 to 12 months, and there is no known cure or vaccine. At Bonorong, these devils aren’t just surviving – they’re becoming symbols of hope and education for visitors worldwide.
Hands-On Conservation: Where Visitors Become Conservationists
What makes Bonorong truly special isn’t just what they do for animals – it’s how they transform ordinary people into passionate conservationists. Not only do they aim to entertain you, they are committed to ensuring that you leave Bonorong with the tools to help conserve Tasmania’s unique wildlife. What can you do to reduce roadkill? Or help the Tassie devil in its fight against disease? Visitors and Tasmanians alike can play their part in looking after our wonderful creatures. Every interaction here isn’t just cute – it’s educational, emotional, and life-changing. Visitors don’t just take photos; they take action.
The Night Tours: When Magic Happens After Dark
If you think Bonorong is impressive during the day, wait until you experience it at night. The most special part of our experience was our night tour with Robin. It was so incredibly fabulous and worth every bit of the extra cost. We pet and fed an echidna (!), pet and cuddled a wombat, fed and interacted with the wildlife (including the Tasmanian Devil) while learning about all of these amazing animals and the stories that brought them to this sanctuary. It’s when the animals really come alive and it is an incredibly unique and memorable experience for all ages. These nocturnal adventures aren’t just tours – they’re transformative experiences that connect you to wildlife in ways you never imagined possible.
The Food Revolution: Plant-Based Paradise in the Wild
Here’s something that might surprise you – The Bonorong Food Hut serves 100% plant-based, delicious food during the day. In a world where conservation and compassion often collide with dietary choices, Bonorong takes a bold stance. They have a Food Hut onsite, making it a great stop for lunch with 100% plant-based meals. This isn’t just about being trendy – it’s about walking the walk when it comes to animal welfare. Every meal served here reflects their commitment to reducing harm to all creatures, not just the ones in their care.
The Breeding Success Stories That Restore Faith
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation of native Australian animals, Bonorong actively participates in various conservation projects, contributes to breeding programs, research initiatives, and advocacy for the protection of Tasmania’s wildlife. The sanctuary works closely with government agencies, research institutions, and other conservation organisations to make a positive impact on native animal populations. They are incredibly proud of the successful outcomes that the hospital achieves for wildlife and how many patients get a second chance of survival. These aren’t just statistics – they’re victories against extinction, hope incarnate in fur and feathers.
The Social Enterprise Model: Business with a Big Heart
Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We’re a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. The skills and funds generated through the Sanctuary allow us to proactively address problems in our surrounding environment and communities. This business model is revolutionary – Bonorong is funded entirely by their entry fees. This means every time they rescue an animal it is because someone like you visited! They do not receive government funding. Every ticket you buy, every tour you take, every meal you eat – it all goes directly to saving lives. It’s capitalism with a conscience, and it works beautifully.
The Visitor Experience: More Than Just Looking
Forget everything you think you know about wildlife parks. With this tour you actually get to go inside the enclosures of many of the animals!!! Truly VIP and our guide Kara was perfection. The group of seven got up close to ‘Dewey’ a 10-month old wombat. Lou (handler) brought Dewey into a spacious enclosure and allowed Dewey to come visit each of us several times during our informative discussion about wombats and the sanctuary’s mission to treat injured animals, provide rehabilitation and release as many animals as possible back to the wild. Dewey stole our hearts and even head-butted me a couple times, as he walked by on his way to the other visitors. These aren’t scripted encounters – they’re genuine connections that leave visitors forever changed.
The Rehabilitation Philosophy: Release Is the Real Goal
At Bonorong Wildlife Hospital their primary focus is the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned native animals, with the goal of releasing them safely back to the wild. While the animals are in our care, they share their stories with sanctuary visitors to educate and create a powerful movement for conservation. Bonorong is not a zoo – The aim is to get healthy animals back to the wild and raise awareness of the natural world. This isn’t always possible and the resident animals who need to stay at the Sanctuary all have a story to tell and they now call the Sanctuary home. These animals undergo meticulous assessment to ensure they are happy and healthy in care and become true ambassadors for their species. This philosophy sets them apart from traditional zoos or attractions – success here isn’t measured in visitor numbers, but in animals returned to the wild.
The Educational Impact: Creating Wildlife Warriors
They provide much needed care for all animals in Tasmania and many of the animals you meet on the tour have a handicap of some kind (missing an eye or a leg). This raw honesty about animal welfare creates powerful educational moments. Our guide, Robyn, who is a highly credentialed wildlife carer, was bubbling over with enthusiasm and information. The guides here aren’t just presenters – they’re passionate advocates who transform casual visitors into lifelong wildlife warriors through storytelling and genuine connection.
The Global Recognition: Tasmania’s Wildlife Ambassador
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (pronounced “Bon-a-rong”) was established in 1981 as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife and is Tasmania’s most popular wildlife park. In 2015, the sanctuary received 66,000 visitors, and those numbers have only grown. But popularity isn’t what makes Bonorong special – it’s their unwavering commitment to excellence that has earned them recognition as a leader in wildlife conservation. Visitors from around the world come not just to see animals, but to witness conservation in action.
The Future Vision: RECAP and Beyond
RECAP is a plan to build a large new hospital, rescue and rehabilitation facility, as well as associated buildings for treatment and husbandry services, for wildlife that will see them prepared for the next decade and able to handle the predicted number of animals needing assistance. This isn’t just expansion for expansion’s sake – it’s preparation for a future where wildlife needs will only increase. Tasmania has the highest rate of roadkill anywhere in the world per capita, yet they are seen as a Noah’s Ark for wildlife to keep our species safe and secure. Bonorong is preparing to meet this challenge head-on.
The Cultural Respect: Honoring Traditional Custodians
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary acknowledges they are on unceded Mumirimina land. The people belonging to this part of lutruwita/Tasmania did not survive colonisation. They extend their respect to the palawa/pakana people (Tasmanian Aboriginal community) their ancestors and elders. They acknowledge the palawa people as the ongoing custodians of lutruwita/Tasmania, and stand in solidarity with palawa people to protect country, create sanctuary and to sustain native wildlife. This deep respect for traditional ownership and cultural heritage shows that Bonorong’s commitment to conservation extends beyond animals to encompass respect for the land and its original custodians.
The Accessibility Promise: Wildlife for Everyone
Some areas of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary are wheelchair accessible, and at Bonorong their opening hours are 9am to 5pm every day, including public holidays. Bookings are not required. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the transformative power of wildlife connection is available to everyone, regardless of ability or planning skills. It’s conservation without barriers, education without exclusion.
The Emotional Connection: Why Visitors Never Forget
This is a special place and a highlight of our travel to Australia. They did the night tour at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and it was truly one of the most special experiences of our entire trip. They can’t recommend doing the night tour enough — it was so peaceful and intimate compared to regular daytime hours, and they loved getting to spend unhurried time with the animals. These aren’t just polite reviews – they’re testimonials to transformation. Bonorong doesn’t just show you animals; it changes how you see the world.
The Practical Magic: How to Experience the Gold Standard
Located at 593 Briggs Road, Brighton, Tasmania, 7030, Bonorong is just 30 minutes north of Hobart’s CBD. Your entry fees directly fund the running of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as the operation of all of their conservation programs. You’ll be able to visit their Sanctuary for the day, see their animals, join one of the daily tours and more. Entry includes a free bag of kangaroo food and access to their daily tours. But here’s the secret: the real magic happens when you book one of their specialized experiences, where it’s feeding time at the Sanctuary and your guide will help you to get up close to as many different animals as possible in two and a half hours! Group sizes are kept small to ensure every participant has plenty of opportunity to interact with the critters. You will enter their animals’ world and experience hand-feeding weird and wonderful creatures like Eastern quolls, tawny frogmouths, ringtail possum… and of course, Tasmanian devils.
So here’s the thing about Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – it’s not just the gold standard for wildlife conservation in Tasmania, it’s setting the bar for the entire world. In an age where environmental destruction dominates headlines and species disappear faster than we can count them, Bonorong stands as proof that hope isn’t just a pretty word – it’s a living, breathing reality. Every rescued animal, every successful release, every transformed visitor represents a small victory against the tide of extinction. When
