In the Spotlight: Zambi Wildlife Retreat
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Zambi Wildlife Retreat at their site just out of Sydney. It was a day to remember, and a day that touched my heart. Zambi is committed to providing world-class care for retired, injured and rescued wildlife. We were met upon arrival by a lady named Donna – and what a lady she was! When she was younger, Donna went over to the USA and started working with big cats. She studied them at a prestigious big-cat school (who even knew there was such a thing? – I certainly didn’t!) before coming back home to Australian soil to leave her mark here. Many of the big cats at Zambi have been raised by Donna since they were cubs. It was magical to witness Donna completely in her element; she would go into the enclosures with the animals and just play with them as though they were kittens.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit quite a few animal sanctuaries in Australia, and I was thoroughly impressed by the state of the facilities at Zambi. I had the best day being shown around them, and I was lucky enough to feed tigers, lions, meerkats and little monkeys called marmosets. I feel very blessed that Zambi opened up their doors to give me insight into the incredible work that they are doing there. It’s so heartwarming and important that they are able to give these special animals such a retirement.
What sets Zambi Wildlife Apart?
The Zambi Wildlife Retreat is the only facility of its kind in Australia – a resort-style retirement home and sanctuary for exotic animals. These could be animals that have been rescued, given up, surrendered or handed in from the circus and entertainment industry, zoo breeding programs or private ownership. Sometimes they are handed in from animal testing clinics, sometimes they have spent their lives being part of carnivals and rides, and sometimes that come from unsafe private homes. They really do come from all kinds of places. These kinds of animals that Zambi holds can include big cats – lions and tigers, as well as primates, meerkats, exotic parrots and wolf dogs. Over in the States there are lots of setups like Zambi, but in Australia it is the only one!
How Can You Help?
Zambi Wildlife Retreat is privately run and funded. Let me reiterate – their facilities are amazing and they need your help to continue their work! Here are several ways you can get involved:
Donate
Zambi’s monthly giving program is the most effective way to help. Most of the workers are volunteers, so any donations received go directly to support the animals.
Book a tour or animal encounter
Zambi isn’t open to the public on a daily basis; however, each weekend they open their doors to a limited number of people to tour the sanctuary. It costs about $150 and that funding goes directly to the sanctuary. The tours are incredible and intimate, and will give you first hand insight into how the retreat is run and the lifechanging work that is done there. You can also book an animal encounter to get up close and personal with some of Zambi’s most popular inhabitants.
Organise a Corporate Team Building Day
Zambi runs small corporate team building activities from the sanctuary itself. This is a great and unique way to get your team out of the office - I have no doubt that the day will be well spent, will make an impact in the lives of these animals and will leave your team feeling extremely bonded!
Purchase a Gift Certificate
Gift certificates are a great present idea to gift a loved one. I’m always looking for ways I can spoil my friends and family without adding to that pile of ‘things’ we all seem to receive for birthdays and holidays that conspicuously go unused. This is a gift and experience that will definitely be well-used and well-loved!
Spread the Word
This one is easy! Spread the word! Zambi Wildlife Retreat is doing amazing work, and the more people that know about this sanctuary, the more animals they can help!