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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This is our new little loaf Dorna less than a minute after I popped her into bed after her rescue.

She is exhausted beyond exhausted and still hasn't gotten up at all.

I'm not sure what she has been through. Her mange or condition is nowhere near as bad as Lammy's yet she has barely moved. She is eating and sleeping her little heart out.

I wish she could talk so I could help her more.

We don't have cages, boxes or pens for our wombats. Instead, every new baby gets their own temperature controlled bedroom and a 24 hour doting Mum.

I can't wait to show you how much this sweetheart has improved since I picked her up from a suburban house.

Rest well angel, a whole new world awaits 💗
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Poor little girl, doing all the right things to get well, eating and sleeping, you are in the right place you dear little thing..

I believe you are the expert in reading her body language. ❤️😘 This is her speaking to you. Her body language will speak volumes to you and she will seek your company, love, touch and use all of your senses to read her as she does you. You have got this. ❤️❤️👏🏽

Poor little bug has obviously had a very hard time of it! Thank goodness she has found the most wonderful wombat world where safety , constant food and love abounds🥰

What a precious site. With the weather changing from Summer to Autumn, does that mean the wild southern hairy nose will be better off?

She feels so safe with guys and I guess she can relax at last.🥰😍

I hope she will be ok. 👌🙏🙏🙏🥰

I am certain that they KNOW where they are now.. 😍😍😍😍

Following from Canada 🇨🇦. These beautiful sweethearts have such a hard life. Sending you gratitude and thanks for caring. You have such a special way with these bubs & are a blessing to them.

Safe, finally. Dory will never know the challenges her human caretakers face to continue rescuing, caring, saving, but she knows she has come to a place of safety and hope. Bless you all at WAO.

What a sweetheart!

Bless her poor little soul thank you so much for everything you do 🐾

What a sweetheart can’t wait to see her up and about!

She knows she safe, and can finally relax and concentrate on healing. Thank you for loving her, and them all. Such wonderful souls ❤️❤️.

She knows she’s safe and getting help. Thank you for saving her. ❤️

How gorgeous, thanks for doing the job you do to save our precious wombats 🥰❤️

You're safe now, little one. Rest up and heal! 🙏🙏

Poor sweetheart 😥💔thank you so much for your care ❤🙏sending lots of love, hope, prayers ❤💜🧡🙏🙏🙏

She looks so snuggly and comfortable. Obviously feeling safe now so she's catching up on lost sleep. Poor baby you are in the best hands now. Stay strong and get well❤️❤️

She feels safe now so she can sleep!

Poor dear little girl 😔 She is very safe now. Thank you for caring for this precious baby 🙏🙏❤️❤️

You're in the best place Little Wommie .... rest peacefully and grow strong xxx

Poor little precious! You are an angel. Dorna knows she safe and loved and is now working on healing! ❤️

You’ll be well taken care of, little one. Welcome home!

Poor baby she is resting peacefully. Do hope she will Be ok. Thank you for caring for these beautiful wombats

Sweet girl is in good hands.

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Late Friday night, our eldest darling girl, Nikerrial came home with a huge lump on her chinny, chin, chin.

She had the same thing in December and it was a right pain to fix. We have not been able to get a diagnosis despite sending bits off to pathology. 

It was really late at night so I made the old girl a bottle of her favourite pumpkin soup and, I tucked her into bed with some pain relief and messaged Dr Helene first thing in the morning. 

It was her day off and despite working a huge day beforehand, Dr Helene kindly came in to see Nikerrial and do the surgery she needed. Thank you Helene, we are eternally grateful 🙏 

Nikerrial came to us nearly 6 years ago after being hit by a car. She had a facial injury which left her blind in one eye, she had the worst gastric ulcers we have ever seen and has had an unidentified toe problem too.

She hasnt been a low maintenance lady! 

Nikerrial is very burrow driven and over the years, Ive had to learn to trust her to come to me when she needs help. From the moment she arrived, she has woken me, sometimes from the other side of the sanctuary. Telepathy is very real and strong with this magic old love. I will never forget the amazing things she has taught me. I cant even begin to describe her lessons of peace and calm. She certainly has magic in her veins! 

Nikerrial is in her 20s and I hope she shares her incredible life with me for many more years ❤️

Late Friday night, our eldest darling girl, Nikerrial came home with a huge lump on her chinny, chin, chin.

She had the same thing in December and it was a right pain to fix. We have not been able to get a diagnosis despite sending bits off to pathology.

It was really late at night so I made the old girl a bottle of her favourite pumpkin soup and, I tucked her into bed with some pain relief and messaged Dr Helene first thing in the morning.

It was her day off and despite working a huge day beforehand, Dr Helene kindly came in to see Nikerrial and do the surgery she needed. Thank you Helene, we are eternally grateful 🙏

Nikerrial came to us nearly 6 years ago after being hit by a car. She had a facial injury which left her blind in one eye, she had the worst gastric ulcers we have ever seen and has had an unidentified toe problem too.

She hasn't been a low maintenance lady!

Nikerrial is very burrow driven and over the years, I've had to learn to trust her to come to me when she needs help. From the moment she arrived, she has woken me, sometimes from the other side of the sanctuary. Telepathy is very real and strong with this magic old love. I will never forget the amazing things she has taught me. I can't even begin to describe her lessons of peace and calm. She certainly has magic in her veins!

Nikerrial is in her 20's and I hope she shares her incredible life with me for many more years ❤️
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Wonderful experience. I once had a manged wombat come to my shed. She allowed me to put treatment on her then stayed in a little barrel I made up for her till she was better, then left. It was like she knew I was treating the wombats around but hadn’t found her so she found me. It was so incredibly special.

Your unique relationship with essentially wild animals has me very envious!! I wonder why wombats don’t seem to fear humans that help them, like most other wild animals? Xx

Bless her sweet soul, I just lost my kitty of 22 years horrible felling . But so glad I could let go so she wouldn't be in any more pain . How long do they live , and yes I know you have posted this before .

She is beautiful and knows you will love and care for her. Thank you

Thank you once again for your wonderful care you give these beautiful animals.🥰💯

Wombat Awareness Organisation what is the average lifespan of a wombat?

It’s so amazing how they know to come home to you when they need care. What an incredible bond! ❤️

Thank you so much for enabling us to continue to share the planet with these wonderful creatures so we don't drive them into extinction. Keep up the great work! We appreciate you 🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚

What a sweetheart, hope she recovers quickly 🙏❤️

This beautiful girl is so lucky to be loved and cared for by you ❤️ l hope she has many many more years with you.

She's sweet and I love that you made her favourite soup for her. Thinking of all of you.

Telepathy and magic. Beautiful words to hear. Must be amazing to experience 💚

What an incredible blessing Nikerrial is even with all her little issues 🩷 She is absolutely beautiful 🥰 How incredible is Dr Helene giving up her own precious time off to prioritise the wombats when they’re unwell 🩷 Thank you for all your tireless work love and care that you put into them all day everyday too 🩷🐾🩷🐾🩷

What a wonderful connection.Through you and other wombat carers I am learning so much about our dear wombats and their behaviours and personalities. Wombats are seriously underrated, I feel!

What a beautiful sweet girl, thank you for loving and caring for her and also Dr Helene for always being there for her. ❤️❤️❤️

Sending lots of love and healing prayers ❤️ 🙏

Wishing this lovely girl a speedy recovery. She knows you will help her.....how trusting is that!! Thank you. ❤❤❤❤

She certainly trusts you to take care of her when needed. That’s a beautiful relationship. Dr. Helene is an absolute angel. 💕🥰

🙏❤️🦔

What a wonderful beautiful Vet, you have...

She’s so beautiful. Feel better soon ❤️

Speedy recovery to the lovely Nikerrial.

Hope she feels better soon ❤️

Darling - enjoy that carrot soup!

Dear old Nikerrial! Clever girl for bringing her sore chin home to be fixed. I'm sure Dr. Helene & you will be able to sort her out. 💕💕

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Last night, this gorgeous girl joined our family ❤️

We dont have much of a story aside from the gentleman looking like a farmer. 

In order for people to feel comfortable to surrender any wombat to us, we have a no questions asked policy. We will take any wombat in need at any time, under any circumstance. 

Wombats are largely disliked due to their burrows and normally, a wombat in this condition would have been shot.

Whoever this man was, he showed incredible kindness and generosity to this poor love who would not have stood a chance if left.

One of you suggested Gia as a name yesterday and we thought that suited her perfectly. 

Welcome little love 💕  You will feel better in no time!

Last night, this gorgeous girl joined our family ❤️

We don't have much of a story aside from the gentleman looking like a farmer.

In order for people to feel comfortable to surrender any wombat to us, we have a no questions asked policy. We will take any wombat in need at any time, under any circumstance.

Wombats are largely disliked due to their burrows and normally, a wombat in this condition would have been shot.

Whoever this man was, he showed incredible kindness and generosity to this poor love who would not have stood a chance if left.

One of you suggested Gia as a name yesterday and we thought that suited her perfectly.

Welcome little love 💕 You will feel better in no time!
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It's encouraging to know that there are still good people in this world. It was very considerate of him to bring her somewhere where she could get the care she needs.

Thank you so much for giving us an insight regarding rescuers and what to do which is vital for their future... thank you again...🙏

Welcome to wombat heaven Gia. You'll be living a proper wombat life now. Only wish there were more compassionate people like this kind man. 🤗🤩

How good is that!!!

Welcome to your best life, little friend!

Good karma will come to that man who brought her to you guys ❤️ and so happy they have an amazing organisation like you guys for ppl to bring them for the help they need 😊 ❤️

It's nice to see there are still caring people out there who help our wonderful Wombats they have as much right to be cared for as any body

Thank you so much. Your policy is just so right. The last thing we all need is to be asking questions of the person surrendering any wombat, the danger of other outcomes looms large otherwise. I salute you. Bless Gia. ❤️🙏

Thanku to the farmer dude for showing compassion and empathy ❤️

Good luck to this baby!

Do hope this girl improves and survives. Thank you for caring for them

Dear Gia, I’m so glad someone showed enough humanity to take the trouble to bring you to a safe place.

Thank you for all you do❤️. Bless Gia🙏

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🤍🤍🤍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️♥️♥️

To the farmer Thank You for bringing her to safety. Gia you are in perfect loving arms..🥰

Thank you kind compassionate man for helping Gia and you for taking her into your wonderful care! 😇♥️👏🤞

Welcome Gia

Welcome, Gia. And thank you to the finder who cared enough to seek help. Amazing how far a little compassion will go. You are in the best hands possible, beautiful sweet girl ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹🙏🙏🤞🤞.

Get well soon Gia

Get well soon Gia. Cant wait to follow your journey

Sending her prayers and love. Thank to the kind man who did the right thing getting her to you.

Welcome Gia 🥰 - you're in the best, kindest hands now ❤.

You are the angel wombat brigade. Good you are around for those beautiful creatures in need of love and help🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

Kindness goes a very long way. Thankyou everyone

Hiya gorgeous Gia, better days ahead with love and kindness

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This morning we rescued this dear girl ❤️

She was sitting huddled in a ball by the back door of a home.

She obviously has mange, thankfully not very severe but bad enough to misplace her into suburbia.

She certainly showed up at the right house and I was able to walk up to her, pop a blankie over her and pick her up without much fight.

She looks to have been on the road for quite some time.

Not anymore! We are going to help her feel so much better in no time as well as give her a forever safe home.

We are ever so grateful to the kind lady who showed a sick, homeless wombat some mercy. In her honour, we have named this angel after her.

Welcome Dorna ❤️

This morning we rescued this dear girl ❤️

She was sitting huddled in a ball by the back door of a home.

She obviously has mange, thankfully not very severe but bad enough to misplace her into suburbia.

She certainly showed up at the right house and I was able to walk up to her, pop a blankie over her and pick her up without much fight.

She looks to have been on the road for quite some time.

Not anymore! We are going to help her feel so much better in no time as well as give her a forever safe home.

We are ever so grateful to the kind lady who showed a sick, homeless wombat some mercy. In her honour, we have named this angel after her.

Welcome Dorna ❤️
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I’m pretty sure Lammy sent her your way. You’re in safe hands, Dorna. 🤎🤎

Dorma sounds like a perfect start to a new day. I imagine all your volunteers are strong people. Animals sense strength and respect that protecting energy. It just makes sense animals that live under ground would have the most heightened senses and gut feelings that land them with safe human dwellings. They've listened to us for many generations.

It’s amazing how often these wild animals look to humans for help. To be so desperate they ignore their normal reluctance. So glad she went to the right house. ❤️.

It’s wonderful that animals can sense where to go for help, can’t wait to see Doran’s progress 💕💕💕💕

My goodness. This beautiful lady although grieving will give you the best of care. You do not need to be alone, sick or hungry anymore. Thank you for taking her.

Dorna will go from strength to strength with you looking after her. She will know she has come to a safe and loving new home. ♥️

Dorna, you are so blessed to have wandered into a loving home🩷

So glad to hear that great rescue news. Thank you for being so caring.

All the love to this precious one. Thanks for helping her and giving her a home. You’re legends. ♥️

You are in the best place now Dorna n you will recover ☺️🥰

Beautiful Dorna such intelligent animals!

What a beautiful name for her, so unique, bless you all for what you are doing for our wildlife. She is in good hands 🙌

Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.

Welcome dorna so happy you were found by the right people!!! Can’t wait to watch the progression!!

Clever, clever Dorna. Just knew where to go for help and love. Get well soon most precious one

Hello gorgeous Dorna, onwards and upwards with wonderful people getting you well and safe. Thank you

Love this. When people find the wombats are they too sick to fight? Or do they not mind being handled by humans? I can’t imagine doing that in the states to say, a raccoon! They’d bite!

Welcome beautiful dorna

Awww.....thank you for all that you do.

Cuteeeee❤️❤️❤️

What a pretty name for 2 beautiful souls! 💜💕

Thank you Wombat Awareness Organisation. What awesome souls you are! Thank you for the love and care you bestow upon these gorgeous animals. Thank you to Dorna and wishing your namesake a speedy recovery ❤️

Bless each & every one of you & especially dearest 🩷DORNA🩷

You’re safe now little one 💗💗💗

Hello Dorna, very soon you will be feeling so much better, thanks to Dorna and the “WAO”! ❤️

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