John Herman Creighton, affectionately known as ‘The Wombat Man’, has dedicated his life to treating and caring for wild bare-nosed wombats in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Australia. Born in New Orleans, John’s journey to becoming a wildlife hero in Bundanoon is a remarkable tale of passion and commitment.
After serving in the army, John moved to Australia with his wife, Rossana, where they settled in the Southern Highlands in 2000. Once his daughter was older, John turned his attention to wildlife, particularly the region’s bare-nosed wombats. In 2015, a Wombat Protection Society conference highlighted the critical issue of mange, a parasitic disease severely affecting wombat populations.
Mange, caused by the Sarcoptes Scabiei mite introduced by Europeans, leads to crusty skin, hair loss, and severe itching in wombats. The constant scratching results in wounds, infections, dehydration, and often death. With major animal welfare groups hesitant to address the issue due to its complexity and cost, John took matters into his own hands. He established Wombat Care Bundanoon in 2015, with a dedicated focus on treating mange and addressing other unmet welfare needs of wombats.
John’s property of native bushland, is part of a natural wildlife corridor abundant in local fauna, and is home to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus), brush tail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), and a variety of bird species including tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides). John’s mission extends beyond care and rehabilitation, aiming to improve the habitat through the planting of native shrubs and incorporating enclosures for rescue operations.
John’s impact on the local community was especially notable during the 2019 drought, where he rallied efforts to provide food and water to starving and dehydrated animals. His dedication continued through subsequent bushfires and floods, highlighting his unwavering commitment to wildlife care.
John’s pioneering work earned him the Australian Wildlife Society’s prestigious Wildlife Rehabilitation Award in 2019. The Society recognised his innovative use of medicated burrow flaps to treat mange, his community workshops, and his efforts in educating both local and international volunteers about wombat care.
John’s educational outreach includes working with primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions, to teach students about wombat biology and conservation. His goal is to foster a sense of responsibility and action within the community, ensuring the preservation of this iconic Australian species for future generations.
In January 2023, John’s contributions were further acknowledged when he was named the Wingecarribee Shire’s Citizen of the Year. This honour reflects his profound impact on the community and the wildlife of the Southern Highlands.
John Creighton’s story is a testament to the difference one person can make. Through Wombat Care Bundanoon, he has created a lasting legacy of wildlife care, education, and conservation. His dedication and innovative approaches continue to inspire others to join the cause, making a significant difference in the lives of Australia’s native animals.
The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary has been established to ensure this work continues well into the future. We invite you to join us as we support & grow the good work that John has started.
