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
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 …
After the Murray River floods subsided and our work helping stranded wombats was done, we had two great boats sitting idle at the sanctuary.
I hope to never see a flood like that again in my lifetime and we decided to sell the boats and put the money back into the wombats we saved.
We have three projects for this, one is a kilometre of fencing for the majority of adults saved, then a burrow top temperature controlled room for the Mumma's and bubs and this shelter. It is the biggest we have ever had to build and will keep our 3 special needs river babies along with 11 other special needs wombats safe from our Winter weather.
All of these structures will be here forever to continue to provide all of those we saved with a safe, lifelong home.
They are also built in honour of the thousands of wombats who lost their lives. Thank you once again to everyone that supported us, you are incredible ❤️ 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less
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I love that you exist and truly care for and go above and beyond for these beautiful wombat friends! You’re doing such great, thoughtful and practical things. 🥰 … But it’s hard not to be frustrated that the government and others that could be financial stakeholders choose not to support something so important in conservation and just general kindness! 😔
You ladies are just...AMAZING. The way you go above and beyond for these amazing wombats. I have nothing but admiration and respect for you. Breaks my heart that the government won't do more. Looks wonderful and the wombats will appreciate it 🩷💙
Wow - well done everyone! Fabulous projects for the good of your gorgeous wombats! And hopefully to make life a little easier for you too.💕
How exciting! Thank you for doing everything you do. I can’t imagine what would happen if there weren’t people like you💕💖.
would u install sprinklers to replicate rain so the animals can experience that?
You are such kind amazing people, thank you for caring for these beautiful precious wombats and for everything you do for them 💕💕💕
You are leaving an incredible legacy ❤️
Wow Just when I thought I couldn't love and respect you any more than I already do... boom!! Next level love and respect to you both xx
Thank you for your passionate work! 💙
You are the incredible ones! Fabulous work.
Bonito trabajo , gracias por rescatar y cuidar esos animalitos tan hermosos !!!!
So fantastic you are able to do this ❤️💕
Your care and love is simply out of this world. Where would the wombats be without you?❤️🙏
Incredible! ❤️❤️❤️
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Oh my goodness! I have had my hands so full with Lola, I am losing days.
I picked up Lola on Monday from Eyre Peninsula after a wonderful woman took her in as an orphan from a community. Lola was a firecracker when I first met her and I was hoping she may calm down a little but, no. She is a wombat with an extroverted personality.
I think she is way too active for her size but nothing slows her down, I have tried every trick. She is the complete opposite to Beeper who is quiet and calm.
Lola is so busy at night, I have had to move into another house in the sanctuary so she can get her beans out in safety from all of the larger wombats that normally live with me.
I really don't know how someone so cute can be so naughty 😍 ... See MoreSee Less
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To be honest, she's showing you the greatest complement. She is LOVING LIFE and already living it to the fullest. She's just awesome!!!! She must feel pretty safe with you to be so outgoing. What an Angel. Thank you. 🙂
Oh my gosh. She's so active. She's still settling. She has some healing to do in her heart I think. She's in the right place xx Her ears are amazing💖💖
Absolutely precious! I know it’s late there. And she does this to u. I’m going to have a talk with her she needs to leave her momma alone. She needs her sleep silly wombat be good lola ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a cutie, but so active! She’s a burrower, that’s for sure. You certainly have your hands full! Good thing she’s cute…. 😉🐾❤️❤️❤️
Shes hysterical good luck
So adorable!❤️It’s like she is Hyperactive 😂Beautiful baby Lola 🥰
Absolutely precious! Hope she calms down soon!
What a cutie. Love her ears. ❤️❤️❤️
Those ears!! 😍 do you think she’ll grow into them eventually? 🤣🤣
She is gorgeous
She’s clearly part Staffy, If I lived nearby I’d suggest a play date with my staffy pup 😂
Oh my goodness she is so cute but so very energetic and cheeky! Good luck. Hope you get some sleep! Bless her little wombieness. Such a cute little face and nose and look at those zoomies.
Oh, she’s just lovely. Thank you so much for taking care of her
She is adorable! Those ears 😍
She is so beautiful and full of personality. 🥰❤️
What a precious sweetheart ❤️❤️❤️
Such a cutie!! Keeping you on your toes. And those ears !!😍😍🥰
She certainly looks a lovely handful
She is adorable I so love watching wombat zoomies. 💜🐾
So adorable!❤️ the silly girl
How adorable is this . Xx. 💕💕
A dedicated burrower! So wombatty! 😍
Lola has a future thanks to you and the wonderful woman who took her in! Lola has plans and is excited about them! Go Lola, go!
Absolutely precious!😃👍💖💖💖💖
The great news is...she has plenty of spunk!😂😂❤️❤️
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Yesterday I drove 10 hours to pick up this little girl named Lola from Eyre Peninsula ❤️
Lola was in a community on the West Coast of SA and was given to a wonderfully caring woman who kept her safe and well.
Lola was very reactive last night but has softened very quickly and is drinking like a dream.
Welcome darling girl ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Such a sweet, sweet girl! And so lucky to have come to your wombat paradise. She was probably won over by the gourmet carrot soup!🐾❤️
What a sweetheart! ♥️ Thank you for driving so far to collect her! She's gorgeous!
Long drive for such a special package. Welcome, little Lola. Thank you, Wombat Awareness.
Dear little Lola, all the best to you 💕🐾🍀. Believe me, you are loved 💞💖 and everything is done to make your pain of losing your mom lessen every day. There is also a Lola tattooed on my arm 💕🐾💓. Lola digs a lot with me in the garden 💕🌿. You will also dig a lot.
Awwwww she’s just adorable. Get better real soon & gain your strength whilst being cared for by the amazing Volunteers. Looking forward to following your progress Lola. Xx 💕💕
I think one of the hardest things you have to do is those long drives. How on earth do you do it? Music. Audible? Coffee?
Good luck sweet pea!! Hope she will pull through!! Animals have a way of letting us know when it’s time. I couldn’t accept when my cat fell ill but I euthanized her quickly bc she couldn’t breathe. I miss her deeply so I adopted again! The process goes on and on. I would love a pet wombat 😂
Good luck for this little girl... And for you and your wonderful work....❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
So adorable!❤️ I'm sure u will win her over with your magic carrot soup. 10hr drive ..wow I have great respect and admiration for all of u Wombat Warriors
You are so loved, bless you.
Not sure why but I saw her image and immediately the vision of a little goddess came to mind. Innocent and perfect- and left on gods care for what ever reason- and here she is with you. There clearly is something shining for this little ones survival 😘
Oh look at those beautiful little whiskers 😍 you are safe now baby girl, sleep well.
She is a darling. Who could resist her? Thank you for saving her.
Welcome baby Lola💕 And thanks to all involved in her rescue. X
Absolutely precious! Lucky Lola to be with these wonderful caring people.❤
She is so lucky to be in your care! Thank you for all you do to help these sweet animals!❤️❤️❤️
How scary it must be for them. I am so thankful you show them love and kindness. They are just the cutest!
What a sweet precious girl and thank you for being such a wonderful caring person. Lola is a lucky girl to be in your care. ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Lola!! You're in good hands!!
So beautiful..thank you for caring for these wonderful animals…
Absolutely precious!What a gorgeous baby girl ,she looks so peaceful love her ❤️💚❤️💚
So adorable!❤️ Stay safe and healthy little one
Thank you for caring so much for wombats. 🥰 Lola is in good hands, what a gorgeous girl she is. 🥰❤️❤️❤️🤗
Sleeping safe and sound with you now.💕💕
Absolutely precious! Another one saved…you’re fantastic 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Even when nursing a broken heart, these little bugs always find ways to make me laugh.
Feeding motor-mouth Ellie with Clare's fan club Plum and Ronnie 😍 ... See MoreSee Less
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Those little boys are hilarious! It's things like this that will soothe your broken heart, in time.💕
This is so gorgeous to watch ❤️.I just love these precious babies .You are such a lucky and caring person to be able to look after these amazing animals thank you so much 🙏❤️💚❤️💚
These wombats precious and adorable i love them.
Those two are sssoooo helpful 🤣🤣
I love your videos, love and dedication, and tenderness you both show to these sweet babies. ❤ I live in the 🇺🇲 in Maine so a VERY long way from Australia 🇦🇺 .... a visit would be heaven to hold one and interact with a little wombat. 🥰🥰🥰 soooo precious 💖
You are an amazing woman. Thank you for your kindness in looking after these precious wombats. I honestly cannot thank you enough. Bless you 🙏🙏
So adorable! I believe that even wild animals can detect our feelings and do something to help us. These kids are doing everything they can to make you feel better. Loveable sweeties!💖💖
Oh welcome home love❤️. I bet you were met by many many furry ones when you arrived!! Grief is a strange one. Comes and goes if it’s own accord. Love to you, Clare and the wombats. 🙏❤️🙏
Loving that carrot soup 😋💜
They are showing their love and care for you, beautiful sweethearts 💖 💖 💖
They are so beautiful and have so much love for you they sense you are sad and want to comfort you xxx bless all of them xxx 💖
They are trying to help you heal!! So adorable and sweet ❤️
They sense that your heart needs healing and want to give so much love back to those that have loved and healed them. Precious little babies helping you smile again hopefully ❤
This is so heartwarming. You are loved by these amazing animals!!
They are all so adorable 🥰 They certainly would be good for a healing heart 💜
Those little rascals! Just what the dr ordered to help heal a broken heart. Remind yourself your giving them the best chance if life again, that poor little one would not have survived and you did the best any wombie could have wished for💗💗💗
“ I want your love, love love love!…….” ❤️🐾🐾❤️
I love wombats.
They love you so much!!
Their funny characters remind me so much of Frenchie’s. My little Frenchie whose nickname is ‘Wombat’ also climbs on the back of furniture like a Mountain Goat 🐐 They clearly want Ellie’s food and your attention, just like toddlers 😆❤️
This is so gorgeous 😍 Is the carrot soup just carrots? Do you put anything else in it? And do you give them this soup just as a pick me up when not well? Or as a treat? Sorry for all the questions lol. I am also a wombat career and I'm always wanting to learn new knowledge on caring for these beautiful babies 😊
They keep you going. They need and love you
Just adorable to watch, they are such funny little dotes, so heartwarming to see them so happy and healthy. ❤❤❤❤❤
Love love love this. They are all wee sweethearts 🥰😍
I would love to hold one and feed it! XO
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