Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary goes on tour with Warrawong2U mobile program

WHILE nature-lovers will have to wait and see what’s behind the feral-proof fence at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, some of the star attractions are heading out on tour.

• Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary acquired by WA couple

WHILE nature-lovers will have to wait and see what’s behind the feral-proof fence at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, some of the star attractions are heading out on tour.

The Warrawong2U mobile venture will be at the Stirling Laneways Markets Sunday providing what sanctuary owner Narelle MacPherson said is an education and entertaining hands-on experience for the public.

Weasley, the young rufous bettong with Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary owner Narelle MacPherson. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL.

“We love providing people with the opportunity to interact with, and learn about, Australia’s native wildlife,” she said.

“And to tie into the market’s theme of Autumn Orange, we felt it was the perfect opportunity for us to introduce people to “Weasley”, our joey rufous bettong.”

Rufous bettongs have orange-brown coloured fur when young and the nickname “Weasley” refers to the ginger-haired family in the Harry Potter series.

Weasley seems right at home. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL.

Weasley is being hand-raised, having been born in captivity but abandoned by his mother.

Ms MacPherson’s partner David Cobbold said the restoration of the sanctuary was a “really big project” supported by a dedicated team of 20 volunteers.

Plans for a grand opening in spring have been pushed back to summer, with Warrawong2U and hopefully school camps generating income in the meantime.

People can meet, handle, and have photos with native reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates at the Stirling Laneways Markets from 10am to 2pm.