Since the first day I arrived in Australia, I’ve been amazed by the beautiful weather and lush, green environment. We took a tour around the city to explore the area surrounding Bondi Junction, including our school building where our classes will be held. Getting to know the culture, people, and animals in Australia has been an exciting journey. One of the main reasons I came to Australia was to see koalas and kangaroos, and today, my dream came true. Waking up at 6 a.m. wasn’t easy, but it felt totally worth it when I arrived at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. The people there are incredibly dedicated to animal protection, and they gave me a deeper understanding of why these animals are much more than just “cute.” The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including rabbits, pigs, wombats, different types of lizards, parrots, alpacas, Koala, and pythons. Kangaroos and emus roam freely around the area. Before we interacted with the animals, we were given some safety precautions, such as not patting the upper body of the kangaroos, as it could agitate them, and not feeding any of the animals.
Arnold the Koala’s
The hungry Kangoroo
During the tour through the sanctuary, the director shared her life story and the challenges she faces in managing the sanctuary. She spoke about going to court multiple times to defend the animals, the culture, and the environment surrounding the sanctuary, while also managing the financial difficulties the sanctuary faces. Despite these challenges, her determination to protect the animals and preserve the culture is so powerful that it has inspired the surrounding community to get involved and support the cause.
The sanctuary now receives not only the attention it needs to survive but also the active support of a dedicated community. One of the most memorable moments was when the director reminded us that this place is built for the animals’ safety and happiness, not just for human enjoyment or entertainment. For me, this really highlighted how the community works together with passion and a shared will to help these animals. It made it clear that this sanctuary isn’t just a business aimed at entertaining humans—it’s a safe space for animals in need of protection. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to hear and feel the mission of this place firsthand.