In the mid north, a man, his family, and 90 rescued kangaroos are facing eviction from their sanctuary.
Andrew Oswald, the owner of Gumby’s Kangaroo and Wildlife Sanctuary was recently told he had to vacate the premises.
At times, the sanctuary at Wandearah East has been used to educate University of Adelaide vet students and facilitate Port Augusta Prison’s Lemongrass Program, helping offenders transition successfully back to community.
The Department for Environment and Water recommends against releasing the kangaroos into the wild.
Negotiations and decisions regarding the property lease and the animals’ future lie with the tenant and landowner.
Mr. Oswald is trying to obtain the necessary permits and has sought help from the Port Pirie Regional Council, who are willing to consider a long-term plan.
The challenges are immense, and the council acknowledges that there’s only so much they can do despite Mr. Oswald’s passion and investment in the sanctuary, including $30,000 a year for feeding the kangaroos.
Efforts are underway to reach a resolution, as the welfare of the kangaroos and the future of the sanctuary hang in the balance.
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