Jirrahlinga closure mourned by region, Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick

The closure of Jirrahlinga Sanctuary in Barwon Heads is expected to leave an “enormous hole” in the region’s wildlife rescue services.

The closure of Jirrahlinga Sanctuary in Barwon Heads is expected to leave an “enormous hole” in the region’s wildlife rescue services.

Western Victorian MP Andy Meddick said the sanctuary, which recently announced the closure of its Barwon Heads centre, had been an “icon of the area for many years”.

“Over the past 24 hours, I have become aware that Tehree has made the extraordinarily difficult decision to close the Jirrahlinga Sanctuary in Barwon Heads,” Mr Meddick said.

“Tehree has had a close family member that has been deeply unwell for some time, but Tehree and all at the sanctuary have battled on because of their deep commitment to the wildlife of Victoria.

“Jirrahlinga has been an icon of the area for many years, and the role they have played in the education of visitors over the years is immeasurable. Likewise, they have provided medical help to wildlife in need, as well as help to rescuers and other sanctuaries when they were in need.”

The Geelong Advertiser this week reported signage from the property had been removed.

“I wish to inform all our loyal visitors past and present that due to the critical health of a family member we have made the decision to consolidate of venues,” owner Tehree Gordon said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Jirrahlinga will continue to perform all rehabilitation and rescue services as we have done since 1975, the only difference is that we will be based in one location.”

The sanctuary narrowly avoided permanent closure last year after battling to stay afloat during pandemic.

In 2021, a community funding plea netted Jirrahlinga more than $80,000 in less than 48 hours.

The sanctuary also received an additional $50,000 from the state government.

Mr Meddick, who had backed the need for funding, said he understood it had been used for the purposes intended.

“The closure is related to personal issues only and all animals will be safely moved to the private Chewton sanctuary,” he said.

“The loss of the sanctuary will leave an enormous hole in terms of medical care and mid to long term care for wildlife in the region, and I intend to raise this with Minister D’Ambrosio as a matter of urgency.

“I will seek to update all rescuers and carers in the region as to what the next steps are later next week, but it is clear that longer term plans that I have been developing may need to be fast tracked.”

EARLIER: Jirrahlinga Wildlife to leave Barwon Heads

Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary has announced its sudden closure with a new consolidated business to take shape in Chewton.

A statement released by owner Tehree Gordon on Wednesday revealed that the Taits Road organisation will permanently shut its doors with all animals in the process of relocating to her dingo conservation in Chewton, more than two hours away.

“I wish to inform all our loyal visitors past and present that due to the critical health of a family member we have made the decision to consolidate our venues,” she said.

“Jirrahlinga will continue to perform all rehabilitation and rescue services as we have done since 1975, the only difference is that we will be based in one location.

“Effective immediately Jirrahlinga at Taits Road, Barwon Heads is closed.”

Jirralinga closed

It comes as Ms Gordon reaffirmed on Tuesday her plans to relocate the business by the end of the year, however a location was not disclosed at the time.

As of Tuesday, signage had been removed from the property and replaced with a handwritten notice on the door stating: “Sorry closed to the public”.

The website further stated the venue would be “closed until further notice for maintenance and restructuring” at the Barwon Heads property.

In 2021, the Barwon Heads community raised more than $80,000 for the sanctuary in less than 48 hours when it was revealed they were in “crisis.”

They received a further $50,000 from the state government during this time.

The business has now rebranded as Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation & Wildlife Education Centre.

In her statement Ms Gordon said the sanctuary will be opened to the public by appointment only from its new location “once the animals have settled.”

Jirrahlinga Wildlife sanctuary to temporarily close

A beloved Bellarine wildlife sanctuary has closed to the public less than 12 months after generous community donations stopped it from shutting down.

Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, based at Barwon Heads since 1975, shut its doors on April 28.

It’s understood the sanctuary’s owner, Tehree Gordon, is looking to relocate to another site.

“As you know we have been looking to relocate from Barwon Heads and give our natives a new home,” a Facebook post from May 8 read.

“Watch this space in the coming months for new and exciting update.”

Jirrahlinga to close with signage removed. Picture: Alison Wynd

As of Tuesday, signage had been removed from the property and replaced with a handwritten notice on the door stating: “Sorry closed to the public”.

“We will then be closed until further notice for maintenance and restructuring,” a statement on their website said.

“While we are closed during this time we will still be available for animal rescue and rehabilitation. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

The sanctuary narrowly avoided permanent closure last year after battling to stay afloat during pandemic.

In 2021, a community funding plea netted Jirrahlinga more than $80,000 in less than 48 hours.

“Jirrahlinga is in crisis,” the sanctuary wrote on its website during the funding plea.

“We are in desperate need of funds to keep our sanctuary open.”

“Due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions the Sanctuary has lost 100 per cent of overseas visitors and 60 per cent of all interstate visitors that kept our Sanctuary’s head above water.”

The sanctuary also received an additional $50,000 from the state government.

At the time Ms Gordon said the funding would help the Barwon Heads centre to cover costs associated with animal rescue and vet work.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said the government’s contribution recognised the affect the pandemic had on the sanctuary’s ability to obtain funds needed to support its operational costs.

“The work the sanctuary has undertaken since 1975 is very important in the rehabilitation and safe release of wildlife. I also acknowledge the community visits the sanctuary organises for educational, social and health purposes.”

Jirrahlinga to close with signage removed. Picture: Alison Wynd

The property was listed for sale in 2020 but did not sell.

At the time RT Edgar, Point Lonsdale agent Felix Hakins set price hopes at $2 million to $2.2 million.

The sanctuary hopes to relocate from its 2.023ha property on Taits Road later this year.

It is unclear where the sanctuary will move to.

Originally published as Jirrahlinga closure mourned by region, Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick