People were outraged at the senseless and deliberate killing of 13 wombats at a Kangaroo Valley camping ground last month.
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But Illawarra-based zoologist Jodie McGill said unfortunately worse ‘’criminal acts’’ had been done to wombats which had escaped the media’s attention.
‘’Donna (Stepan) will tell you that it is far too common. This story has reached the media but what about the other deaths that don’t reach the media that happen every weekend,’’ she said.
‘’Sadly it is a culture that goes on. It is largely unreported and it absolutely must stop.’’
Ms McGill works closely with Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary, run by Donna Stepan and her partner Phil Melzer.
She appreciates the good work the largest wombat sanctuary in Australia does and has organised a charity fund-raiser to help raise money.
The Dig Deep for Wombats charity event will be held at Murphy’s Bar and Grill, Unanderra on Saturday, October 17.
‘’This fund-raiser is in a way shining light on a good news story,’’ Ms McGill said.
‘’It is also encouraging Phil and Donna to keep going and to reassure them that there are people behind them that support what they do.
‘’This fund-raiser is not the be all and end all but it is a way that the community can come together and thank them for what they are doing for our unique wildlife.
‘’They take in more than wombats. They have cared for stray dogs, reptiles and macropods.’’
Ms McGill, who has had a fascination with wombats since the age of 11, also wants to shine a spotlight on the casualties of ‘’senseless attacks’’ on wombats.
Ms Stepan will be a special guest at the October 17 fund raiser.
Tickets cost $45 for adults and $25 for children under 13. To book email digdeepforwombats@gmail.com or call 0434 498 400.