Room to Roam
Room to Roam: A Safe Space for Wildlife and the People Who Care for Them
At Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, we’ve always dreamed of creating a space where wildlife in care—especially joeys—can move freely, feel safe, and grow strong. A place where carers can breathe a little easier, knowing their precious charges are protected. That dream is now becoming a reality through our Room to Roam project.
What Is Room to Roam?
Room to Roam is a purpose-built, species-specific rehabilitation area designed to give joeys and other native wildlife the space they need to run, hoon, and heal. But it’s more than just open ground—it’s a sanctuary within a sanctuary.
This secure 42 x 15 metre space provides a safe haven for mums and their bubs, especially during the intense kangaroo mating season. It offers protection from the chaos of the big males, helping prevent the heartbreak of joeys being separated from their mothers during the chase.
The area also includes:
Upgrades to the Joey Shack, making it safer, more hygienic, and better suited to the needs of growing joeys
Fencing to protect native plantings, which are essential for browse and habitat enrichment
A new garden shed for storing feed, pouches, and care equipment
Growing Our Vision
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve recently received a $15,000 grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program. This funding will allow us to:
Install another water tank to support our growing needs
Purchase and plant native browse species, creating a sustainable food source for wildlife in care
It was a special moment yesterday, to cut fresh browse from our own garden and feed it to the mums resting peacefully in the new space—proof that this project is already making a difference.
Looking Ahead
As the Room to Roam space comes to life, we’re preparing to welcome joeys from home carers for Stage 3 of their journey toward freedom. This secure, species-specific area offers the space and safety needed for joeys to build strength, socialise, and prepare for relocation—without the risks that come during mating season.
By providing a dedicated Stage 3 facility, we’re empowering more carers to take on Stage 1 and 2 rehabilitation from home, knowing there’s an appropriate and nurturing environment waiting for the next phase. From pouch to the bush, every stage matters—and every carer plays a vital role.
Ultimately, this leads to Stage 4 relocation to sanctuaries like Karlup, where joeys can live wild and free. It’s a true community effort, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that makes it possible.
Gratitude
This project wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of:
Shire of Cranbrook – for backing the initial infrastructure and recognising the importance of local wildlife care
Rio Tinto and Lotterywest – for their contributions to the broader project vision
FRRR and ANZ Seeds of Renewal – for helping us grow our capacity to care for wildlife sustainably
Wildlife care is everyone’s responsibility—but in reality, it often falls to those with the training, passion, and heart to do the work. That’s why it means so much to see local government and funding bodies stepping up to support ethical, community-led care.
A heartfelt thank you to Kelvin, who took on this project with unwavering dedication and delivered it on time, on budget, and beyond expectations. From day one, Kelvin was a brilliant communicator—always keeping us in the loop, arriving exactly when he said he would, and working with deep respect for the rhythms of the sanctuary. He instinctively understood that joey rest time is sacred, and that feed time means tools down. His intuitive, innovative, and inventive approach made the entire process smoother, safer, and far less stressful—for both carers and kangas. Thanks to Kelvin, Room to Roam isn’t just a project completed—it’s a dream come true.
Together, we’re creating a space where wildlife can recover in peace—and where carers can continue their vital work with the support they deserve.
Thank you for helping us give them room to roam.
