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Welcome to the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary
The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary exists to prevent the extinction of Australia’s native wildlife — with an immediate focus on the critically endangered koala in New South Wales. Through the establishment of a dedicated sanctuary in Bundanoon, we are creating a national centre of excellence for wildlife rescue, research, habitat renewal, and environmental education. Our integrated approach combines frontline care with genetic and disease research, rewilding initiatives, and public engagement. We aim to deliver lasting ecological impact, strengthen biodiversity, and build a model of conservation that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.
This is not a zoo or a visitor centre. It’s a strategic response to biodiversity loss — grounded in science, powered by community, and built for long-term impact. We’re establishing an Education Centre and Research Centre of Excellence to drive outcomes in genetic rescue, disease management, rewilding, and public engagement.
If you’re a funder, policymaker, school, scientist, or community member who wants to be part of stopping extinction — we invite you to help us grow. Together, we can help them home.
Where we started
John Creighton has worked tirelessly to care for local wildlife, particularly wombats, since 2013. John is based in the picturesque village of Bundanoon and is well known globally for the amazing work he has done.
John and a board of passionate supporters helped to establish the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary will ensure that John’s good work will continue to assist the treatment of local wildlife. The Sanctuary will educate the community and ensure the ongoing protection of native animals and their habitat.
The SHWS Will:
- Establish the SHWS Education Centre and Research Centre of Excellence to secure a future for native Australian wildlife, the local environment, and surrounding communities.
- Deliver immersive environmental education informed by the latest research — including curriculum-linked programs, outdoor learning, and strong partnerships with local schools to foster deep connection to native flora and fauna.
- Set new benchmarks in the rescue, care, treatment, and release of injured native wildlife.
- Focus on priority species including koalas, quolls, sugar gliders, and wombats.
- Conduct and apply research in genetic rescue and translocation of endangered koalas.
- Lead disease management and research into key threats such as Chlamydia, Koala Retrovirus (KoRV), and mange.
- Drive habitat renewal, restoration, and protection across the Southern Highlands.
- Operate targeted rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs — particularly in high-risk areas such as country roads.
- Develop a long-term sustainability plan that integrates economic, conservation, and tourism outcomes to support ongoing impact and legacy.
Join us on our journey to protect and nurture the precious wildlife of the Southern Highlands and beyond.
Our Mission
The mission of the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary is to address the escalating risk of extinction facing Australia’s native species — with a core focus on the urgent plight of the koala in New South Wales.
We aim to establish a nationally significant centre for conservation action, scientific research, and environmental education. Our work spans wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, disease treatment, genetic rescue, habitat restoration, and translocation rewilding programs — all grounded in community engagement and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Through this integrated model, we seek to deliver measurable ecological outcomes and long-term systemic impact — all from a sanctuary based in the Southern Highlands, built on deep community roots and global ambition.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a leading Australian wildlife sanctuary that safeguards biodiversity, advances conservation science, and fosters environmental stewardship – supported by informed communities, innovative science, and intergenerational stewardship.
We envision thriving, resilient populations of koalas and other native species restored to their natural habitats within the Southern Highlands of NSW, supported by a network of research, education, and policy influence. The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary will be a blueprint for sustainable conservation — where community action, scientific excellence, and ecological responsibility converge to secure a future for Australia’s wildlife.
Join us on our journey
Together we can protect and nurture our precious wildlife
SHWS – Grounded in Science, Powered by Community, Built for Long-Term Impact
Who are we?
Located in Bundanoon, NSW, adjacent to the diverse ecosystems of Morton National Park, the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary (SHWS) builds on the legacy of esteemed wildlife carer John Creighton and operates as a locally established non-for-profit organisation dedicated to the research, care, rehabilitation and conservation of native Australian wildlife.
Guided by a knowledgeable, volunteer-based board, SHWS is comprised of educators, conservationists, researchers, and community members who share a commitment to safeguarding native species and restoring resilient ecosystems. The sanctuary partners with universities, educational institutions, local entities, and national organisations to foster an environment where both people and wildlife can coexist and flourish.
Meet our Team here.
Want to know more?
If you would like to find out more about the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary, please contact us.