Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary devastated by ongoing flooding

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Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary devastated by ongoing flooding

May 23, 2025

Environment / Zoos /

Aussie Ark’s wildlife sanctuary in the Barrington Tops has had its infrastructure severely impacted by torrential rain, with over 420mm falling in just a few days and with more rain expected.

The sanctuary, which plays a critical role in protecting some of Australia’s most endangered and threatened species, has suffered major infrastructure damage. Enclosures have been inundated, fencing that safeguards wildlife has been destroyed, power is down, and key access roads have been cut off.

Aussie Ark staff have worked around the clock to relocate animals to safer ground, with every animal currently accounted for and in good condition.

The scale of the damage is still unfolding, but it’s already clear that recovery will be extensive and long-term. While the immediate priority is animal welfare and stabilising the site, attention is also turning to the enormous task of rebuilding.

Additional support crews from Aussie Ark’s partners at the Australian Reptile Park are now on-site assisting with flood response efforts. The sanctuary remains inaccessible to the public, and some staff remain isolated due to road closures and flooding.

A formal flood recovery appeal has been established to support the major repair work ahead and to future-proof the sanctuary against worsening extreme weather events. The appeal has already received strong support, particularly from long-time conservation partners Re:wild and WildArk, which have played key roles in Aussie Ark’s wildlife recovery efforts over many years.

Donations can be made here

1st May 2025 - Aussie Ark makes conservation history with chlamydia-free koala population in Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary

23rd April 2025 - Aussie Ark collaborates on first ever release of Eastern Quolls into feral-proof NSW Bannockburn sanctuary

10th March 2025 - Aussie Ark achieves world-first breeding of endangered Broad-headed Snake

28th February 2025 - Aussie Ark and AGL announce launch of new veterinary facility

8th February 2025 - Aussie Ark returns chlamydia-free koalas back to Sanctuary

3rd January 2025 - Aussie Ark opens its facility for public to encounter endangered animals

12th December 2024 - Conservation organisation Aussie Ark conducts ‘Devil swap’

22nd November 2024 - Aussie Ark aims for chlamydia-free wild Koala population

30th September 2024 - Aussie Ark to transfer Tasmanian Devils to four international zoos

19th September 2024 - Aussie Ark transfers 15 endangered Parma Wallabies from Blue Mountains to Barrington Tops

25th June 2024 - Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary eco survey delivers impressive results for Aussie Ark

22nd December 2023 - Aussie Ark and Australian Reptile Park reveal significant conservation win

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