By traveling with Cheesemans’ to Australia, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a remarkable wildlife experience largely due to the responsible conservation practices of our local operator. A wholly Australian-owned company whose revenue remains in the local economy, our operator places environmental sustainability at the forefront of all business planning. Guides always engage in responsible birdwatching practices which contributes to the maintenance of healthy species populations. These techniques include avoiding the use of callback/playback apps that cause unnecessary stress to birds – especially at breeding times, respecting the ecosystems by refraining from disturbing, chasing, or handling wildlife (particularly when photographing in sensitive areas such as nesting sites). When providing tours, our operator not only helps you to observe target species but also provides education on sustainable best-practice wildlife viewing techniques that can be applied anywhere in any environment.
Australia’s ecotourism industry funds conservation efforts and lends valuable input into many sustainability projects. Our operator, in particular, because of a solid reputation in birding and conservation, combined with strong stakeholder involvement, frequently provides consultation on a wide range of environmental issues. One example is the current upgrade of the Bruny Island little penguin and short-tailed shearwater viewing area and the sealing of the gravel road immediately surrounding their breeding ground. The Department of State Growth oversees this project with additional input from specialists including Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife and Birdlife Tasmania. Our operator’s frequent night tours to the rookery generate statistics on penguin and shearwater numbers as well as current risks from public access to the site. They are also intimately involved with Wallaby’s Orphans Program in which surviving young Bennett’s and pademelon orphans are hand-reared at the nature reserve, and when ready, are rewilded within the 1500-acre reserve. A third example is a collaboration with TASNETWORKS, the power supplier on Bruny Island, to reduce raptor electrocution fatalities that impact many endangered birds, particularly the wedge-tailed eagles. By participating in projects like these and many more, ecotourism’s direct contribution to conservation in Australia is essential to the preservation of the country’s wildlife.
Friends of Bonorong – Tasmania’s largest wildlife rescue, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, established this nonprofit entity to achieve its objectives in wildlife rehabilitation, care, protection and conservation, as well as community involvement. They focus on three specific areas: research, in-the-wild support, and medical care.
WIRES – This wildlife rescue organization provides 24 hours a day, 356 days a year rescue services and care for sick, injured, and orphaned animals. WIRES recruits hundreds of volunteers and helps tens of thousands of native animals in distress yearly. In addition, they provide training for other organizations and professionals who work with wildlife and provide educational talks at schools and community events.
Inala – The Inala Foundation is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on the conservation of Australia’s unique flora and fauna. Founded in 2010, the Foundation operates on Inala Nature Reserve, a critical habitat on Bruny Island, Tasmania. The Foundation’s primary mission is to protect and enhance biodiversity through habitat restoration, species monitoring, and educational outreach. By funding vital research projects and promoting sustainable land management practices, the Inala Foundation plays a crucial role in preserving Australia’s rich natural heritage. Their efforts ensure that both current and future generations can experience and appreciate the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the region.