Change the Narrative: Reclaiming the Truth About Kangaroos
We’ve been fed a story. One that paints kangaroos as pests, nuisances, and obstacles. A story that justifies cruelty, indifference, and silence. But it’s time to change the narrative—because the one we’ve been told is not only wrong, it’s dangerous.
Let’s rewrite the story. Because they are not the problem. They are the victims of one.
When Kindness Isn’t Enough: In Memory of Mikayla, and Every Carer Who’s Carried Too Much Alone
This one is raw and from the heart. It’s about kangaroos—but it’s also about us. About why so many dismiss their suffering. About the disconnect that silences outrage. About the carers who break under the weight of it. About kindness—and why we need more of it, not just for wildlife, but for each other.
I wrote this in memory of Mikayla Raines and every soul who gave everything for animals and still felt unseen. Please read, please reflect, and please… let’s choose compassion.
Understanding The Kangaroo Divide: Why Is It So Easy to Hate What We Should Be Protecting?
The Kangaroo Divide: Why Is It So Easy to Hate What We Should Be Protecting?
There’s something deeply broken in the way we see our kangaroos.
They’re on our coat of arms, our coins, our tourism posters. Foreigners marvel at them; documentaries celebrate them. Yet at home, too often, they’re dismissed as pests, ridiculed in memes, and treated as roadkill punchlines.
Understanding the Impact: What Roaming Cats Are Doing to Wildlife
The Truth Behind the Purr: How Pet Cats Are Harming Our Wildlife
There’s a common sentiment: “My cat wouldn’t hurt anything.” We want to believe it. We need to believe it. But the truth is, even the gentlest, best-fed cats are natural-born hunters. And the numbers don’t lie.
“There Was No Screech—Only My Screams and the Snap of Shattered Bones”
“There Was No Screech—Only My Screams and the Snap of Shattered Bones”
Over the years, I’ve read countless reports—calls for help, updates from carers, desperate searches that end in heartbreak. Each one struck me. Each one brought tears. But nothing compares to witnessing it. Nothing prepares you for the sound.
Understanding the Silent Suffering of Orphaned Joeys
The Silent Suffering: What Happens to a Joey Left in Her Mother’s Pouch After a Roadstrike
It’s a tragedy we see far too often—an adult kangaroo hit by a car, her body left at the roadside. What many don’t realise is that inside that still pouch, life may still be flickering. A pinkie joey—fragile, hairless, blind, and entirely dependent—is silently waiting for the mother who will never respond again.
She is all I have and it’s enough
Wrapped in the love that only she knows.
She is all I have and it’s enough.
Where is the Outrage!! A Response to Suzanne Orr: The Truth Behind the Kangaroo Cull in the ACT
A Personal Response to Suzanne Orr’s Letter (ACT Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy, and Water)
This morning, I received a formal response from Suzanne Orr regarding the ACT Government’s kangaroo culling policy. While her letter was composed with care and filled with official justifications, it left me deeply unsettled. It spoke of science, conservation, and management—but not of compassion, coexistence, or the emotional toll this policy takes on our community and our wildlife.
This blog post is my response—not just to her letter, but to the broader narrative that has allowed the killing of thousands of kangaroos to be framed as environmental stewardship. It is a call to question, to feel, and to act. Because behind every statistic is a life lost, a joey orphaned, a mob shattered.
This is not conservation. This is cruelty dressed in policy.
And it must stop.
Where Is the Compassion? A Heartbreaking Plea for Our Wildlife
This post comes from a place of deep heartbreak and frustration. As wildlife carers, we witness the beauty and fragility of our native animals every day—and we also see the devastating consequences of human ignorance. What follows is a raw and emotional response to a video that should never have been shared for entertainment. It’s a plea for compassion, accountability, and respect for the lives we are so privileged to share this land with.
"The Great Kangaroo Myth: Why the Numbers Just Don’t Add Up"
To some, kangaroos are seen as pests — multiplying uncontrollably, overrunning farmland, and damaging crops. But this narrative, often repeated by frustrated landowners and echoed in policy, is not only misleading—it’s dangerously detached from the truth.
Gratitude in Action: How Community Bank Tambellup Cranbrook Helped Us Help Wildlife
At the heart of every strong community is a spirit of generosity—and thanks to the incredible support from Community Bank Tambellup-Cranbrook that spirit is alive and thriving in our wildlife rescue efforts.
Creating an Oasis: Drought-Proofing Amaris
Welcome to our journey of transforming Amaris into a thriving oasis, even in the face of drought. Our project has been a labor of love, supported by generous grants and the dedication of our community. Here’s how we’ve turned our vision into reality.
Kangaroos in War: A Symbol of Home and Resilience
War leaves scars not only on those who serve but also on the innocent and voiceless. Among the stories of courage and sacrifice are the quieter, forgotten tales of Australia’s beloved wildlife—kangaroos and koalas—taken overseas as mascots during wartime. These creatures, meant to bring comfort and a reminder of home to soldiers far from their land, often faced unimaginable stress and hardship in foreign environments. Their journey is a poignant reminder of how even the best intentions can lead to suffering and how much we owe to the animals that shared in humanity's moments of darkness. As we reflect on ANZAC Day, let us remember their silent sacrifices and the lessons they leave behind.
Understanding Sensory Overload in Orphaned Joeys
At Amaris Wildlife, we’re dedicated to giving orphaned joeys the best possible start after the trauma of losing their mothers. This post explores the hidden impact of sensory overload on joeys in care—especially in the context of social media, household noise, and overstimulation. It’s a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and always put the joey’s needs first.
Understanding Myopathy in Kangaroos
Exploring what myopathy is, how it happens, and why it presents such a unique challenge in wildlife care. From its physiological effects to the heartbreaking stories of animals like Ellie and Roobee, we’ll highlight the importance of awareness and proper intervention.
Understanding Kangaroo and Joey Communication
Understanding Kangaroo Communication: Nature’s Language in Motion
Kangaroos are iconic symbols of Australia, renowned for their powerful hops and graceful movements. But what many people overlook is their fascinating system of communication, which allows them to express emotions, social needs, and even warnings to their mob members.
Understanding Cataracts in Joeys
Cataracts are a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing vision. This occurs when proteins in the lens clump together, blocking or scattering light. In joeys and kangaroos, cataracts can develop due to environmental factors, injuries, or underlying health conditions during their critical growth stages.
Understanding Coccidiosis in Kangaroos
Understanding Coccidiosis in Kangaroos:
Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease that affects kangaroos, caused by protozoa from the genera Eimeria and Isospora. This condition can have severe impacts on wildlife health, particularly in joeys or kangaroos under stress
A Call for Compassion and Support for Our Wildlife Carers
Wildlife carers are the unsung heroes of our natural world, dedicating their lives to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that cannot fend for themselves. In the wake of Tracy Dods’ conviction, it’s time to reflect on the immense challenges these carers face, the sacrifices they make, and the crucial support they so desperately need.
The Cockitrough: Supporting Native Birds and Innovation in Wildlife Care
The Cockitrough: A Vital Addition to Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary
Here at Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, we are thrilled to introduce the Cockitrough—a game-changer for wildlife rehabilitation and care. Thanks to the generous support of the NRM Community Stewardship Grant, we’ve been able to acquire this innovative piece of equipment, aligning beautifully with their priorities of biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.