South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter’s Michele Phillips nominated for Pride of Australia award
MICHELE Phillips, 62, had no idea what a wild ride she was in for when she started an animal shelter a quarter of a century ago. Since then, she has saved everything from tiny baby possums and kangaroo joeys to magpies, lizards and turtles.
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WHEN she started an animal shelter a quarter of a century ago, Michele Phillips, 62, had no idea what a wild ride she was in for.
Since then, the dedicated rescuer has saved everything from tiny baby possums and kangaroo joeys to magpies, lizards and turtles.
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“I started off with a couple of cages outside and a couple inside, and now I’ve got 19 aviaries outside and three bedrooms full of animals,” she said. “I didn’t intend for it to get this big.”
She even rehabilitated a pelican after a nasty fishhook incident.
“They (pelicans) mate for life and when we took it back, its mate was there waiting for it. They flew off together,” the wildlife carer said.
“It was beautiful … There are special ones.”
Ms Phillips also spends her days at primary and secondary schools, teaching kids the importance of caring for wildlife and simple steps they can take to protect our animals.
The job of running the South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter is taxing and takes a toll.
“Without me, these animals wouldn’t make it,” Ms Phillips said.
“I start at half-past five every morning and I don’t fall asleep until one, and I usually get up and feed at two or three.
“I have two grandchildren and I don’t see them as often as I should.”
But her host furry and feathered housemates make for interesting visits when the grandchildren come over.
For her dedication to animals and education, Ms Phillips has been nominated for a 2018 Pride of Australia Award.
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