Gumby’s Kangaroo and Wildlife Sanctuary owner and his 80 roos face homelessness, euthanasia after being evicted

Kangaroo rescuer Andrew Oswald is in a race against time to raise $15,000 to relocate his animals by the end of June.

Andrew Oswald has dedicated the past seven years of his life to saving orphaned and injured kangaroos in the state’s Mid North but is now in a race against time to relocate after being evicted.

Currently living in a caravan and relying on his disability pension, the owner of Gumby’s Kangaroo and Wildlife Sanctuary must raise $15,000 by the end of June to build a new sanctuary in Booleroo.

The 56-year-old veteran currently looks after around 80 kangaroos at Wandearah East which are like “family” and is concerned they may be euthanised if he’s unable to give them a permanent home.

“If we are unable to build a new compound for the mob of misfits, the future could mean that they are all euthanised as there is no safe permanent home for them,” he said.

“These are my family, my children who I have raised from rescue and I cannot see harm come to them.”

Andrew Oswald needs to raise $15,000 by the end of June to relocate and build a new sanctuary for his roos in Booleroo after being evicted. Picture: Supplied

Mr Oswald has been rescuing kangaroos for years. Picture: Gumby's Kangaroo and Wildlife Sanctuary via Facebook

He plans to take his “closest children” with him to Boolerloo with the remaining roos relocating to other sanctuaries including the Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha.

“They’ve asked a couple of us to offer mentorship to understand the animals and how they can provide better care for them,” he said.

“So I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to rehome some of the animals that I have and downsize a bit but also to encourage others to interact and learn about native animals.”

Mr Oswald’s mob of misfits. Picture: Gumby's Kangaroo and Wildlife Sanctuary via Facebook

Over the years Gumby’s has been a safe haven for wildlife in need and place for the community in Wandearah East to come learn about native animals, Mr Oswald said.

His sanctuary has also hosted vet students from the University of Adelaide and facilitated Port Augusta Prison’s Lemongrass Program, helping offenders transition back into the community.

“I’ve loved every minute of it and want to continue that work for the betterment of the animals and the community by providing rescue and a place to come learn,” he said.

So far, Mr Oswald has raised over $6000 through GiveEasy and is accepting donations of fencing and posts to help build the enclosure.

“Every bit helps,” he said.

“Sanctuaries like ours give you a place where you can come and ask for help when you come across one of our native animals in trouble but we can’t do that unless we are able to keep the sanctuary alive and going.”

You can donate here.