Five team members from the Australian Reptile Park were dispatched to Aussie Ark’s wildlife sanctuary in the Barrington Tops on May 22 to help repair flood damage.
The wildlife sanctuary has been devastated by torrential rain, with over 420mm falling in just a few days, with more rain expected as at May 22.
The sanctuary, which plays a critical role in protecting some of Australia’s most endangered and threatened species, has suffered major infrastructure damage.
Enclosures have been inundated, fencing that safeguards wildlife has been destroyed, power is down, and key access roads have been cut off.
Aussie Ark staff have worked around the clock to relocate animals to safer ground, with every animal currently accounted for and in good condition.
Tim Faulkner, Director of both Aussie Ark and the reptile park, is on the ground.
“Our teams are working day in and day out, mending fences and repairing damage, only for the relentless rain to knock everything over again,” he said.
“It’s a constant battle, but we are determined to keep going and protect every single animal in our care.”
The scale of the damage is still unfolding, but it’s already clear that recovery will be extensive and long-term.
While the immediate priority is animal welfare and stabilising the site, attention is also turning to the enormous task of rebuilding.
The sanctuary remains inaccessible to the public, and some staff remain isolated due to road closures and flooding.
A formal flood recovery appeal has been established to support the major repair work ahead and to future-proof the sanctuary against worsening extreme weather events.
The appeal has already received strong support, particularly from long-time conservation partners Re:wild and WildArk, which have played key roles in Aussie Ark’s wildlife recovery efforts over many years.
Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/FloodRebuild
