Dual purpose for animal sanctuary

Dunsborough animal-lover and environmentalist Sasha Boundy is founding a wildlife sanctuary in the hope of changing residents’ perception of native species such as the western ringtail possum.

Dunsborough and Busselton Wildlife Care Inc. will not only rescue injured animals, but connect them with the community in a personal way, according to Ms Boundy.

“The immediate goal is to change the appearance and perception of animals under threat, particularly the ringtail possum,” she said.

“They can be seen as some kind of rodent look-alike or a pest, but they’re native and critically endangered and I just think people need to see that.”

Ms Boundy combines 10 years professional photography with experience gained from working in British zoos to operate her wildlife sanctuary from home.

Alongside caring for dozens of animals 24-hours a day, Sasha also takes photos and tells their stories on social media, gaining attention not just locally, but on an international level as well.

“One of our joeys, Bambi, has a beautiful face and story and the photos I’ve uploaded of her got seen by a Japanese company who reached out to me and now use her as a mascot, with a collection jar in their office and everything.”

Ms Boundy said once perception began to shift, she planned to facilitate talks, demonstrations and workshops on building possum boxes, rescuing joeys and caring for the environment.

“If people decide they want to, we can save these animals together,” she said.

“I hope the community will help rejuvenate habitat for release sites, build more possum boxes, help more injured animals and just be more aware of how beautiful and precious these creatures are.”