Shelter Spotlight October 2025
Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter
Name of Operator: Colleen Wood
Years of operation: 30 Years
Suburb/area covered: Gippsland (Central and South)
Species you care for: Koalas, Greater Gliders, Yellow Bellied Gliders will place other species
Contact: Colleen 0429653583
How does Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter support wildlife and their habitat?
Colleen is experienced at caring for fire impacted native wildlife, mentoring other carers, networking with wildlife groups, contributing to research, post monitoring released species - incorporated with a public fund. Passionate.
Renowned for the care of Sam the koala, a female koala from Miriboo North that was rescued by a firefighter in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires. Plus the other 100 koalas we cared for at the same time, with some overcoming amazing injuries to be released and re-populate.
*Focus should always be on the best outcome for each animal*
What advice would you give the public?
Please slow down on roads especially when travelling at night - stop, check deceased native wildlife, report injured wildlife asap. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local wildlife shelter - many hands make light work!
There are many ways to help our wildlife and we get lots of calls a week with concerned Members of Public wanting to help. You can do this by reporting injured and orphaned wildlife or donating funds so that we can provide ongoing support to wildlife shelters.