Shelter Spotlight August 2026
Wombat Wisdom Wildlife Care
Name of Operator: Jade Whittingham
Years of operation: 6 years
Suburb/area covered: East Gippsland
Species you care for: Wombats, birds, reptiles, possums and small marsupials.
Contact: 0473 446 161
Email: woodabell01@gmail.commail.com
How does Wombat Wisdom Wildlife Care support wildlife and their habitat?
Wombat Wisdom Wildlife Care is a volunteer-run wildlife shelter dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife. Based in Victoria, we provide care for a range of species including wombats, possums, birds, reptiles and other native animals requiring assistance.
Our shelter operates with a strong focus on animal welfare, ensuring each animal receives appropriate nutrition, housing, medical treatment, and rehabilitation tailored to its individual needs. We work closely with veterinarians and other wildlife carers to provide the best possible outcomes for the animals in our care.
As a small, community-supported shelter, we rely on donations, grants and fundraising to cover the costs of specialised equipment, veterinary treatment, food, medications and enclosure maintenance.
In addition to providing direct care, we assist members of the public by responding to wildlife rescue calls, offering advice, and helping to ensure injured or orphaned wildlife receives timely assistance. Our goal is to give every animal the opportunity to recover and, where possible, be safely released back into its natural environment.
What advice would you give the public?
Our advice to the public is to enjoy and appreciate wildlife from a respectful distance. If you find injured, orphaned, or distressed wildlife, contact a licensed wildlife rescuer or wildlife organisation as soon as possible for advice before attempting to intervene.
Keeping domestic pets under control, slowing down on roads especially at dawn and dusk and preserving native vegetation can make a significant difference to the survival of our native animals.
We also encourage people to become informed about the wildlife living in their local area and to seek professional guidance when they encounter an animal in need. Small actions by individuals can have a positive impact, whether that is safely containing an injured animal until help arrives, reporting wildlife in distress, or supporting local wildlife carers and rescue organisations.
Learn more about Wildlife Shelters in Victoria and see our previous spotlights.
Lend a paw by purchasing a Wombaroo Gift Voucher for Carlisle River Wildlife Shelter.
For many wildlife rehabilitators, having access to life-saving food or equipment is often a necessity they struggle to afford. These dedicated individuals devote their lives to assisting wildlife, typically funding their efforts themselves and covering costs for baby formula, medicine, and supplies from their own pockets. Unfortunately, they receive little to no government support for their crucial work. By providing these vouchers, you empower rehabilitators to continue their invaluable work, offering second chances to animals in need.Use the email address at checkout: woodabell01@gmail.com
Thank you for your generosity. Let's continue to make a positive impact, one life at a time. 
*Each voucher is email directly to the recipient to be used on anything in the store. Vouchers do not expire.