About Us
Barossa Wildlife Rescue is a not-for-profit wildlife rescue & rehabilitation organisation supporting the Barossa Valley and surrounding regions.
Founded by Rose Brooks, a registered wildlife carer in Lyndoch, South Australia. As a little tacker Rose was forever bringing home injured or orphaned animals to look after, and she was given her first joey to raise named Bunty. Since then Rose has been caring for other injured or orphaned wildlife such as possums, echidnas, kangaroos, koalas, birds … if it has a heartbeat, it is worth a go!
The BWR averages 800 rescues or callouts each year – most of them we have been able to nurse back to health and either release back in the wild or find a home for them at other homes or wildlife sanctuaries.
Our Mission
To have a sustainable wildlife organization within the Barossa valley area with a dedicated team of volunteers who work towards the rescue, rehabilitation and release (where possible) of wildlife.
Educate the community and also promote further opportunities on education choices for our younger generations.
UPDATES
Latest News
Barossa Wildlife Rescue was recently called out to rescue a little microbat from a local winery! 🦇
Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife in need of rescue, especially in the hot weather. ☀️
#barossa #barossawildliferescue #barossavalley
Grand Opening of the Rose Brooks Wildlife Sanctuary - December 6th, 2024
More than 30 years ago when Rose Brooks nursed her first injured joey back to health, she knew then her purpose was to protect our precious wildlife. Rose has literally spent decades tending to wounded wings and weening orphaned joeys, and along the way, has inspired a small army to join in her quest.
By 2019, Rose’s following had grown so large that the community came together to form into Barossa Wildlife Rescue - an incorporated organisation & registered charity. What started out as just Rose, has now grown to over 130 members who take on around 1000 animal rescues, and over 900 calls for advice each year. Among these are 40 orphaned Joeys which our volunteers raise until they are able to fend for themselves. However South Australian legislation does not allow us to release hand raised Joeys back into the wild.
So, for those animals we can’t release, a wildlife sanctuary where the animals can heal, grow, and be free - has been not just a BWR project – it’s been Rose’s lifelong dream.
On the 6th of December, 2024, we formally opened the Rose Brooks Wildlife Sanctuary, as both a dedication to all the wild souls we share this world with, but also as a tribute to Rose Brooks—a woman who reminds us all of what an individual can achieve with purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment. A working bee was held earlier in the day with the support of BWR members and volunteers from Treasury Wine Estates to install additional features to the sanctuary, kindly donated by businesses since the last working bee. The ceremony was open to the public and amassed a crowd of local businesses, supporters, members, media, and local council members including Barossa Valley Mayor Bim Lange. Member of Parliament Ashton Hurn helped us unveil the plaque and officially open the sanctuary.
There are so many people to thank. This project is much bigger than just BWR. So many individuals, businesses and organisations have all contributed to help make it a reality. Thank you to all who support BWR and Rose’s dream. We could never have done it without you. 🌹
#barossawildliferescue
This is Johann. He's a 16 year old exchange student living here in Australia for 10 months. He is staying in Gawler where he is completing year 11. Johann comes from Ahrensburg, near Hamburg in Northern Germany, and he loves playing soccer and seeing his friends.
He is loving our Australian wildlife and also enjoying learning to surf while he's here. One day he hopes to become a helicopter pilot. He loves helping feed the animals at BWR 🥰🐨
Support
How You Can Help
Make a Donation
Your generosity and support will go a long way to ensure these animals all have a fighting chance of survival.
Bank Details
Barossa Wildlife Rescue
BSB: 313 140 A/C: 1248 6657
OR
Donations over $2 are tax deductible
Join the Mob
Barossa Wildlife Rescue Incorporated (BWR) is a membership organisation. Anyone can apply to become a member!
BWR Partners
We appreciate the support of local businesses who contribute goods, services and their time to support our organisation.
Use the form below for donations, media, training, and general enquiries.