Who We Are
The Wombat Awareness Organisation (WAO) is a non-profit charity specialising in the rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy of the unique, amazing and gorgeous Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat. We focus on conserving and protecting wild wombats whilst supporting a 24-hour rescue and rehabilitation centre within the largest and only free-range, cage-free wombat sanctuary.
Based in the Adelaide Hills, WAO was founded and has been proactive in the wombat community since 2006. As an independently funded organisation, WAO relies solely on the kindness of others who wish to join our mission to save the Southern Hair-Nosed Wombat.
Saved 10,000+
Wombats
We have saved over 10,000 wombats since our commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating these wonderful creatures.
Supporting 1800+
Wombats Per Year
Each year through donations and volunteers, we are able to support over 1800 Southern Hairy-Nose Wombats.
We Care For Up To 90 Wombats At Any One Time
We have the resources and ability to care for up to 90 wombats at one time, providing a safe environment for them.
Revegetation Programs
For Their Survival
Revegetation programs are put in place to ensure the survival and conservation of our wombats and habitat.
Meet Our Wombats
Learn how you can help
Register Your Interest for Our Next Induction Day!
How You Can Help
Find out more about our sanctuary and how we care for these amazing animals!
Our Projects
How We Can All Coexist
Although wombats are native to Australia, the are often referred to as pests by landholders and the farming community due to their burrows. To help ease the conflict between man and wombat, WAO began assisting landholders to establish viable, non lethal management methods. The least invasive the better!Wombats are easy to live with when they […]
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is a mite that burrows under the skin causing immense irritation. Every single wombat that has mange, will die unless treated. The mite is believed to be introduced to Australia via the European Red Fox however there is no doubt in our minds that wombats succumb to mange only when stressed. We see […]
Drought Relief
The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat inhabits semi-arid to arid environments almost exclusively in South Australia. They live in some of the driest areas, in the driest state in the driest country in the world. Subsequently, they are sensitive to climate change and any extreme weather patterns. Drought has a catastrophic effect on wombat populations. Overgrazing from […]
Autumn is such an exciting time of year at the sanctuary! The wombats get up earlier and are so happy to have cooler weather!
Porky Pig always looks for us at night, she loves to play. She's always been a rascal!
Porky Pig is one of our highest maintenance babies that has been released into the sanctuary. She came to us 5 years ago bald, skin and bone and requires ongoing regular dentals as she had also been hit by a car.
Despite this, she loves her life! ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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This behavior re.inds me of a dog when it's flapping! So happy and excited lmbo.Shes way to cute for her own britches!
Thank you for the update and sharing that little rascal!! She sure is happy and it shows - I suspect rather THANKFUL for being saved and for all the care she received. She sure knows how to say "Thank you".........
Porky Pig is so lucky to have you! The love and care you give to all these creatures is over the top! So nice she is able to spend her life with you!💕
So cute. Thank you for the wonderful work you do for these little creatures of God.
How gorgeous, it running around, so happy for you . All the work you do for them all. 🙏🙏🥰
Porky such a little character, shows by the wonderful care you give these beautiful babies 🥰
Porky is so excited to see you! ❤️
Happy girl! Love to watch her frolic! How lovely her life is now that you have worked your magic for her and she is well. 🐾❤️
Porky Pig is adorable and so fortunate to have caring and loving people
She looks so happy doing zoomies. Definitely is a rascal 💕
They're such Crazy Little Critters..🤣😆
She’s a cutie! She needs an equally active playmate!
And we absolutely love her fun and games
So gorgeous. What a character 💖
Happy video, ❤️ it has made my day. Xxx
Such a beautiful soul. Everyone involved should be so proud of the help and love she has received.
So funny! 😂
Beautiful & funny Porky Pig! Living her best life thanks to you. 💕💕
That is amazing.I love these cute wombats
She looks like a hoot. She does love life and thank goodness you gave hers back to her!
Why wouldn't she love her life, all your babies are living their best lives under your dedicated love and care! 💖
Woke up to this delightful footage of one happy wombat! Great start to my day! She’s so beautiful and obviously loving life, running and jumping like that! You have so many amazing success stories please don’t ever give up. Wombats love and need you! Thanks for all you do ! X
She loves her life because she has such a wonderful one with you. The best of both worlds ❤️❤️.
She looks healthy and happy thanks to the wonderful care and support you all have given her!!!❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for the update on this happy girl. She is saying ‘Thank You’ to you - I am too - for the great work you do😍 following from Canada 🇨🇦 your videos make my day!!
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We were given this gorgeous big wombat toy as a gift for the babies.
We popped it under the verandah where they have dug a burrow.
I have seen all of the orphans either laying or playing with her just like they would have with their Mum's ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Even though they are content and have adapted beautifully, there must be something still there to remember their mum's. It's a shame older wombats don't take on orphaned babies to rear. It's fabulous to see them play, but sad that they cuddle like they are missing their own mum's. But life can be brutal and they are getting the most precious care from their human mum's and dad's and they know that. This is why they love their cuddles. You are all special people. Thank you
There it is!! I am glad it has survived this long. And the wombies are enjoying playing on it. I thought they might have destroyed it by now! It was one of my best Op Shop finds. And an interesting drive to you with that in the passengers seat! Lots of people looking at me with a confused look on their faces (well, more than normal!!)
What a precious and useful gift! I hope the Baby Wombats enjoy ever moment with their new gift!🩷💙
Bless the creator of soft toys for the comfort they give to babies both animals n humans 😄👏🥰
So very precious!!! 💕😇
How adorable and sweet is that?! Alittle sad too.,Poor little things miss their Mamas!
1) I love this so much, everyone needs a comfort stuffy and now they have this one!! Sweet babies look so happy 🥰 2) I think I need a big wombat stuffy too 😆did someone hand make this or can you buy it somewhere?
What a cool toy! Some where in the back of there minds they must miss their mothers! They are so lucky to have the human mothers and dads as well! With out your love and cuddles they would never stand a chance at survival! You’re all wonderful people! 💕🙏🏻 They need you!
Do you want another one, same size i have one just collecting dust
What a wonderful gift for the little ones! They are just precious. 🐾❤️🐾❤️
That's a lovely idea to give them something to snuggle up with when they want to.The babies are looking wonderful,it's all down to the fantastic work you do.Thankyou 🐾🐾❤️❤️
This is so cute that they can have a toy wombat to be around, I wonder if they recognise that the toy is a wombat and that brings them some comfort.
That is just so cute! What a great gift 🎁
How adorable. I guess deep down they realise something is missing from their lives.🐾🐾❤️
It's so adorable 💙🥰 everyone and animals need something to cuddle
So thoughtful of the giver Exciting to see the Wombats playing and enjoying it Thank you
Brilliant idea ❤️
Every baby should have a toy to play with. Just love this ❤️❤️
Oliver looks like he has some mischief planned. 🤣The toy is just brilliant for them❤
What a wonderful gift. Very thoughtful present.
That is just so cute. I love it! 😍
So amazing ,🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🥰
That’s fantastic what an awesome gift💕💕💕💕
That was a very thoughtful gift 🎁❤️.
That is beautiful!
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Gav came to us in December last year after we received a report of a young wombat seen sitting by the road in the same spot two nights in a row. He had dogs walk up to him and didn't react at all.
The next day, I packed up to see if I could find the baby. I watched him waddle down a hill, walk straight past me without even looking and go and sit by the road. I ended up following him for quite a while as he traversed through road culverts and a swamp. I watched him bump into things all along the way. It was obvious that he was completely blind.
I sat and watched him grazing and he laid down. I took off my jumper, walked up to him and picked him up. He didn't struggle or wiggle. He just flopped and fell asleep in my arms almost instantly. Life would have been so tough and frightening for a little blind wombat.
Gav was taken to a veterinary ophthalmologist who confirmed he was completely blind in his left eye and had light sensitivity in his right. Our home became his for life.
After a few months, Gav seemed to be able to see me. A cause of his blindness was likely a toxin and as he was taken away from that environment, his eyesight gradually returned.
Now, Gav lives out in a burrow with a whole group of friends in our special needs sanctuary. One day, he will be released into our main sanctuary but, for the moment, he visits me every night for his beloved wombat milky milk porridge 💖 ... See MoreSee Less
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That poor little baby. I am so thankful for all you do for all of them! He probably felt so relieved to finally be held. 💜💕
Thank you for saving darling Gav. It makes my heart sing to see him safe and thriving in your special care with his best friends 💖 from Canada 🇨🇦
How wonderful that his sight has returned! Thank you for your care & expertise in helping these precious babies!💕💕
I am happy Gav has friends!
What a scary and sad life he had before you rescued him. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your compassion and care 🙏💙
Gav...I want to mention portion control....but then I think about "pot calling kettle black".....dig in man!! Go your hardest!! 🙃
This story made my eyes leak tears of both sadness and joy at his return to safety. Live long and prosper Gav
Thank you for saving this beautiful baby💝🐻💝
Ahhhh love Gav so glad his right eye has improved thank you for saving him Blessings and love to you all xx
He looks amazing 🤩 well done both of you and Gav 🥰
Gav is certainly lapping his food up. It's so good to see he has improved and feels comfortable with his care. He knows where he's better off and saying thankyou when he comes to visit ❤️❤️
Brought tears to my eyes! Such a lucky lad.❤️
Thank the universe for those moments people get you in to help and thank you for giving him a safe home 🙏👏❤️
Love you Gav, so glad you have found your safe and happy place ❤️
Aw that’s so lovely. It’s amazing how much trust they have in you. Thankyou for taking such good care of him and for giving him the love he deserves. 🥰
I could listen to you talk to the wombats "forever"!! Such a gifted heart and comforting voice💛🧡❤️Always thankful for you!!
a thousand thanks for saving this little angel on earth, who certainly would not have survived without you. Yes, I remember our adorable little Gav very well. and it is a true miracle that he regained his sight. I am so happy. Thank you again for saving this precious life.💜🧡💛🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤
God I love you lot!
Thank you so much for everything you do. I don't know if I will ever even see a wombat up close, but thanks to your education I have learned so much about these sweet little creatures! You're doing some beautiful work.
Aww I love wombats .🤗
Thank you for loving them so much 💗💗!
Well done to you all. Lots of love to Gav ❤️
What a sweetheart! So glad he can live with you and be safe and loved. 😍
It's great to see how well he is doing ❤ and being able to live in a burrow with his friends and coming home to Mum at night for din dins❤
This is wonderful, thank you for all your care!👏💞👏💞
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Baby Bunny loves her bottle so much. She shows such enthusiasm!Her little hands, and those eyebrows 🥰❤️
#easterbunny
#babygirl
#darling ... See MoreSee Less
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Oh your just beautiful, a million times thankyou for all the late nights, no holidays and being just angels to save these gorgeous wombats ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Adorable. I used to know my baby was sucking properly when his ears were moving, lol.
Oh my gosh, she’s so tiny❤️🐶🐾
Baby Bunny is absolutely gorgeous as she is perfectly designed . Her itty bitty tiny body that is filled with so much love and affection is absolutely breathtaking and she stole my heart 🥰💖💕🐾🐾💝💘💗💓💞💕❣️💛🤎🧡
Such a little cutie, in such safe hands.
Truly scrumptious! Perfection in wombat form.💕💕
Love love love… Bless…x
Sweet angel love!♥️🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻
Beautiful little girl 🥰
Awwww.... Do her eyes open yet?
So beautiful 💜
I think you are confusing a marsupial with a lagomorph. That is clearly a marsupial. A very cute one at that!
Just can't get over how small she is. ❤️
How precious
So precious! ❤️
So gorgeous, so cute 💗💗
She's enjoying that!
Oh the way Bunny holds your finger 💕🥰❤️
Cuteness overload!! 💛💛
Is that really a baby bunny?
I also think it is a baby long nose wombat?
Sooo very beautiful
I could watch that all day xx
OMG- how cute is she!!!! I love those little fingers!
Booom put a cute alert omg 😍😍😍
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