Wombat Protection Society Marks 25 Years of Dedication to Wombats and Their Caregivers
The Wombat Protection Society of Australia is celebrating 25 years of commitment to the welfare of wombats and the volunteers who care for them. With 800 members both locally and internationally, the Society has made significant strides in wombat conservation, with a focus on research, treatment, and education. The Society's all-volunteer Board and Auxiliary workers ensure that 100% of donations go directly toward the care of wombats.
The Society’s first major initiative focused on combating the deadly mange, a mite infestation that severely impacts wombat populations. Through groundbreaking research in collaboration with Charles Sturt University, Jarake Sanctuary, and Southern Cross Wildlife Hospital, the Society developed treatment regimens using Moxidectin, proving its efficacy and safety for wombats. The research not only provided a viable treatment but also established baseline blood parameters for healthy, free-living wombats.
A significant milestone came when the Society, in partnership with the Australian Animal Justice Party, secured $2.8 million from the NSW Treasury. This funding enabled the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife and the NSW Parks and Wildlife Authority to launch a successful mange treatment program, which has been running for over two years. Smaller groups have benefited from the project, gaining the skills and equipment needed to treat wombats effectively. The Society also developed an innovative 3D-printed medicine delivery system to streamline the treatment process.
Expanding its impact, the Society partnered with the University of Western Sydney’s WomSat project to offer a free online training course. This course, linked to two permits with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, equips individuals to safely treat wombats with moxidectin. The self-paced course has empowered many to gain essential skills in wombat care.
The Society’s contributions extend to technical innovations such as the development of "wombat gates" in collaboration with the Victorian Akoonah Men’s Shed. These gates, now distributed nationwide, help manage wombat movement. Additionally, the Society has worked on creating one-way exclusion panels to safely relocate wombats without harm.
| Pictured above: Our wombat mange treatment burrow flap. Designed with a 3D printed medication delivery container. It has sloped sides for better delivery and a roof with a small “gutter” to keep moisture from mixing with the medication. It has perspex base to be less intrusive and better accepted by the wombat. All corners are slightly rounded to prevent sharp edges. Click here to purchase. |
In addition to its research and development efforts, the Society plays a key role in public education, offering online resources through its website, WomSat, and printed materials. This helps the public better understand wombat care and issues such as mange and fence breaches.
The Society also provides grants to those caring for wombats, particularly in the aftermath of extreme weather events, and has supported over 200 individuals with the necessary equipment and medicine to treat mange. As the Wombat Protection Society celebrates its 25th anniversary, its continued dedication to wombat welfare remains stronger than ever.
PO Box 2191 Tomerong NSW 2540 Australia
[email protected] ABN 33 122 449 665