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

donate
Make A Donation
volunteer
Become A Volunteer
club
Join Our Wombat Adoption Club

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 […]

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Dorna update!

I honestly have never seen a wombat in such good condition be as exhausted as this poor girl. I don't know what she has been through but I can see that she is coming back to life, bit by bit.

Ideally, I would love her to see Dr Helene only she has been so reactive and would need sedation. With her level of exhaustion, we do worry that she wouldn't wake up.

So gently, gently we go and time is her friend ❀️
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Oh how wonderful. Maybe she feels that the water outside is fresher? Or maybe it is cooler? Who knows. ❀️❀️❀️ We don’t know what these animals go through. I took in an older cat who had been found living under a dumpster., she was/ funny old thing didn’t like other cats didn’t like to be handled. For the first few months she basically ate and slept. Life on the streets is hard and even harder for a domesticated cat. Donna probably hasn’t slept much is she has been looking for food.Thank you for caring for her and letting g her feel safe

Omg bless this sweet girl β€οΈπŸ™like she always lived in a house

Obviously that water tastes better. It didn't take long for her to make herself at home! πŸ’–

Maybe she's just so happy to have a warm, safe place to sleep, she's enjoying it!πŸ™‚

What do you think is causing the exhaustion? Poor darling X

Obviously that's the really tasty water. Go Dorna!

She looks for her bed so sweet ❀️

Ooohhh Dorna, I'm so happy to see you, kind sweet precious girl. Courage, sweetheart. Love you ❀

Aww, well done little cutie Dorna! She's starting to feel comfortable - well done. πŸ’•πŸ’•

I love the slurp..ahhh sounds she’s making.

The best thing here is Donna obviously trusts you and her environment, completely!! She also feels enough strength to walk further afield!! You must feel so very proud of your care and love!! A HUGE thank you for your service to this beautiful girl!! ♥️♥️♥️

Isn’t funny how animals choose different water bowls. All my animals have their favourites and will walk past other bowls just to get to their favourite ones. Good to see Dorna is up and about a little ❀️

Hand on sweetheartπŸ’™So grateful to you - you are the bestπŸ™

Awww!! Baby steps sweet girl! ♥οΈπŸ’œ

That's one special lady. Glad she's on the mend

Get better little Dorna eat sleep and get better.

Bless you sweet Dorna, you're in the loving arms of earth angels πŸ˜‡ ❀️

Keep going beautiful girl πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•

Oh sweet girl! Little steps at a time. You’ll get there πŸ’•πŸ’•

Wombat Awareness Organisation it is so beautiful to see. She must have been in such a heightened state of survival to the point of exhaustion. ❀️

Come on Dorna. Hang in there sweet girl. πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•

It's nice to see that Dorna is getting up for a drink even if it is only for 5 mins.🩷 My cats prefer to drink from water in my garden rather than indoors. I think it tastes better. It's great that she feels secure in your home. She obviously trusts you.πŸ™‚

So very sweetπŸ₯°.

She in the best hands, you do the best with these wonderful animals ❀️❀️❀️

Love that she came back to bed ❀️

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Ellie-May has finally moved out into our sanctuary after 18 months of care!

She was hit by a car and left completely blind with brain damage and although her eyesight did not return, she regained all her wits and has been given a clean bill of health.

So much love and patience has gone into this lovely and to see her in her very own burrow, back out in nature is heaven! But, the best part is, the occasional visit home for a quick cuddle on the lounge with her mum.

Clare put all her heart into saving Ellie and every minute was worth it ❀️
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It's SO REWARDING when they return to visit: BEST rescue outcome!!! She bobbing her head is...ADORABLE ☺️πŸ₯°

So sweet and happy for her and everyone who helped

YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a sweetheart.

Sweet soul

Awh, sweet baby. Love how you'll be loved, respected, and taken care of for your furever...

These Poor Beautiful Animals are Suffering So Much due to Cars, habitat loss Mange & other losses inflicted by We Humans..

The bond you have is so lovely to see and yes she has her independence but she comes home to her mama for some love and cuddles and just to say l love you. Despite all the heartache and tears you have this must make it all worthwhile. ❀️❀️❀️

Thank you for being there for her.♥️

My darling Ellie-May absolutely adorable πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯° Clare you are the very best mumma πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž

Beautiful Ellie-May. Such wonderful news😍😍😍

How wonderful!!! Thank you so much for all you do to save these beauties. It’s so great to celebrate this success πŸ’•πŸ’•

She is the sweetest. 🩷

Love this videos, this wombat is sweet and cute😁

So sweet

Wombat World News

Cherie Angelia

This must make your heart sing and your soul soarβ€οΈβ€οΈπŸ’œπŸ’œ!

What an accomplishment for Ellie-May! Congratulations! What a great job her humans did in saving her! You should be proud of yourselves!πŸ™πŸ»♥️

It's wonderful to know that Ellie-May comes home to her Mum for a visit but she can also now live in a burrow! Well done all of you! She's such a darling! ♥οΈπŸ€—πŸ˜‡πŸ€ž♥️

Shannon Amon

What a beautiful little girl she is 🩷 Will you monitor her to make sure she is ok? I feel nervous for her I just want to know that she’s going to be ok πŸ₯° Edit: Thank you Clare for all your love time and care you put in helping this princess recover 🩷

So wonderful to see this good news!! πŸ’œπŸ’•

I know you’d only let her go into her own burrow if you know she’ll be safe. πŸ’–

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Its not the weekend without a little wombat feeling unwell!

One of our orphans, Oliver, was inside snacking when I noticed his left eye was a little (barely noticeable) puffy. I thought it best to keep him in so I tucked him into bed and he slept the whole night through. 

As always and ever so kindly, Dr Helene came in on a Sunday morning to have a look at the baby. Theres swelling there but his teef are all good and no sign of a grass seed or injury. He is on bed rest and pain relief and if no improvement in a few days, he will have some x-rays. 

From time to time we have seen things like this be caused by grass seeds or even an old fracture right up in the tooth root moving through. Either can be lethal if not tended to so we always take extra precautions. 

This little man was found as a tiny, frail, fragile orphan on the road by the girls from Adelaide Hills Kangaroo Rescue. It was divine timing for him as he was literally too weak to even stand.

He loves his life here and is one of my most frequent visitors each night. It breaks my heart to see him feeling unwell.

Time for rest, cuddles and carrot soup baby boy ❀️Image attachment

It's not the weekend without a little wombat feeling unwell!

One of our orphans, Oliver, was inside snacking when I noticed his left eye was a little (barely noticeable) puffy. I thought it best to keep him in so I tucked him into bed and he slept the whole night through.

As always and ever so kindly, Dr Helene came in on a Sunday morning to have a look at the baby. There's swelling there but his teef are all good and no sign of a grass seed or injury. He is on bed rest and pain relief and if no improvement in a few days, he will have some x-rays.

From time to time we have seen things like this be caused by grass seeds or even an old fracture right up in the tooth root moving through. Either can be lethal if not tended to so we always take extra precautions.

This little man was found as a tiny, frail, fragile orphan on the road by the girls from Adelaide Hills Kangaroo Rescue. It was divine timing for him as he was literally too weak to even stand.

He loves his life here and is one of my most frequent visitors each night. It breaks my heart to see him feeling unwell.

Time for rest, cuddles and carrot soup baby boy ❀️
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Comment on Facebook

Bless Dr. Helene—what a godsendπŸ₯°πŸ’–.

Thank you!♥️

They’ll do anything for carrot soup 😜😍

Thank you for your care and a big thank you to Dr Helene too! I am so grateful for your care for the wombats πŸ™

Apart from loving the darling wombies I absolutely am in awe of Dr Helene! She’s such an amazing person.

Being mindful and observant. You are a gift.

Hay, little munchkin, feel better soon ❀️

Dr Helene's blood is worth bottling as my Nan would say, thankyou so so much ❀️

You know these precious babies so well.....sending healing vibes to Oliver xo

Big hugs πŸ«‚

Sending lots of healing love and hugs to beautiful Oliver πŸ™πŸ™β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ Thank you to all involved in his care ❀️❀️

Hope you feel better, Oliver!

thank you for your care. seeing even the littlest thing off, that's love.

You are all such amazing people giving up so much of your time to help these precious babies particularly Dr Helene. Thank you. Hope Oliver recovers quickly x

Sending healing energy ✨✨✨

Hopefully whatever it is settles down quickly. What would we do without Dr Helene. Enjoy the pampering and carrot soup Oliver! πŸ’™

πŸ™πŸΌπŸ™πŸΌπŸ™πŸΌ

Feel better soon Oliver

Good eye noticing even the smallest change in this baby! You and Dr. Helene are such blessings to them. πŸ’œπŸ’•

You are all saints and Dr Helene you are with a double halo.. thanks for all you do

Thank you and all others for love and care given to The Wombats

Dr Helene is THE BEST!

Aw get well soon Oliver

Sending healing thoughts to Oliver. Please, please get better πŸ’œ

You’re such amazing people…Oliver is in good hands😍

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A little update on Dorna!

We received a call last week from a lady who had a wombat sitting by her back door in suburbia. By the time I arrived, she still hadnt moved and I was able to pop a blanket over her and pick her up.

Dornas mange has gone but the poor girl is so exhausted that she hasnt gotten up yet. She is eating very well but is very, very timid and has been hiding under her bed.

That was until this morning when she realised she is safe! Not only is she not hiding but is laying in her most vulnerable position and quite happily stayed that way while I cleaned her room.

Im hoping she will really start to perk up this week after such a good, solid sleep πŸ™β€οΈImage attachment

A little update on Dorna!

We received a call last week from a lady who had a wombat sitting by her back door in suburbia. By the time I arrived, she still hadn't moved and I was able to pop a blanket over her and pick her up.

Dorna's mange has gone but the poor girl is so exhausted that she hasn't gotten up yet. She is eating very well but is very, very timid and has been hiding under her bed.

That was until this morning when she realised she is safe! Not only is she not hiding but is laying in her most vulnerable position and quite happily stayed that way while I cleaned her room.

I'm hoping she will really start to perk up this week after such a good, solid sleep πŸ™β€οΈ
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Comment on Facebook

This is great news!! I can’t imagine what this sweet baby has been through. Physical and emotional exhaustion. Thank God for the Dorna who called you and for you who takes such compassionate care of them! πŸ’œπŸ’•

Yay Dorna!! So happy to hear this. A testament to your love and care❀️❀️.

Told you, you have got this. β€οΈβ€οΈπŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½ You give of your whole soul - seen and unseen. Keep using all of your senses and she will use hers to heal herself and in the process connect with you on a deeper level. Animals are awesome for doing this -that is why in our culture we have our totem and our dreaming story of that animal. Wombat Awareness Organisation she is reading you loud and clear. ❀️😘

Glad to hear that. So happy for her. Wombat's really have a tough life......😞

You people who look after all these wombats are angels πŸ˜‡ sent from above. I hope you also have someone nice to look after you . It’s such a demanding job . πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ’πŸ‡

Great news! You guys are so good at making Wombats feel at home, comfortable, and safe. Thanks for all you do for these animals in need of assistance.

Wonderful news. Obviously your patience is paying off! Guess it just takes a little longer with some than others. πŸ€—

Awww she knows she’s safe and is being cared for πŸ₯°πŸ’—πŸ’—

This is wonderful news! I’m so happy she’s finally doing so well. ❀️πŸ₯°β€οΈ

Oh, beautiful girl πŸ™ THANK YOU as always for your love & dedication to our precious wildlife ❀️

Great news πŸ€—β€οΈ Prayers for a speedy recovery for beautiful Dorna πŸ™πŸ™β€οΈβ€οΈ

oh Dorna, sweet and kind girl. I'm so happy you're feeling better. I am also very happy that you are more and more confident with your precious guardian angels and in life.β€πŸ’œπŸ§‘πŸ’‹πŸ™

Don't you know that she feels fabulous! Imagine how frightened she must have been. Sleep in peace and comfort Dorna! ♥️

Sending love and healing in abundance 😍✨✨✨

That’s wonderful news!

So happy to hear that Dorna is starting to feel secure. Hope she perks up over the next week after her long rest and is able to move about a bit more.🩷

Awe, I hope she does well in your care!! She just needs a lot of love and naps!

Poor little girl was probably so scared. She is starting to feel safe and loved. Cant wait to watch her recovery.

All the best Dorna I hope things keep going well for youπŸ’œ

I’m so excited for all of you, especially Dorna! I love the work you all do and love your little fur children, too. 🐾❀️🐾❀️

Yay πŸ˜ƒ

Awww! Fantastic! πŸ’‹

So lovely to hear that Dorna is feeling so much better ❀️❀️❀️

Mange is so horribly cruel. Stay strong Dorna , you’re safe now πŸ™β€οΈ

I wish there were more people like you on Earth. My family does what we can to help animals but you are a wombat’s true angel. Thank you for everything you do!🩷

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