For years Warrumbungle Wildlife Shelter carer Tanya O'Donoghue has put the needs of injured animals before her own, and it is that love, selflessness and passion which has landed her the support of the Humane Society Australia.
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The shelter, which is located in Mendooran, cares for injured and orphaned Australian native animals, specialising in kangaroos.
The society has provided Mrs O'donoghue with upwards of $100,000 to enable her to build a better capacity of care for the large sum of animals seeking help at the shelter.
Ms O'Donoghue said after more than 30 years caring for wildlife on her own it was overwhelming and wonderful news to have received such enormous support from both the society and Future For Wildlife Australia.
"A huge and heartfelt thanks goes to both for their generous support which will enable me to better care for the animals," Ms O'Donoghue said.
Ms O'Donoghue has spent countless nights lying awake nursing injured animals and feeding masses of varying species of all ages.
By day, she is running around ensuring that all of the wildlife are equipped with care, food and a comfortable space in which they call home.
The funding will also enable her to have her own space which will not be overrun by wildlife, although she will never stray to far away from the animals, referred to as her children.
"I currently have at least 60 animals in my care due to the drought. People don't realise but the drought has long-lasting effects," Mrs O'donoghue said.
Humane Society Australia project officer Helen Church said Ms O'Donoughue was the perfect candidate for the funding.
Mrs Church said Ms O'Donoghue was "one of those great carers" who does a "huge amount of work".
"Tanya cares for a large array of species and difficult wildlife such as young joeys and injured and sick animals. A lot of her care is intensive care," she said.
"She also has a huge amount of experience and knowledge and has a very scientific way of caring for wildlife which enables her to give them the best care possible."
The society was first informed of Ms O'Donoghue's struggles by Michelle Bryant from Future For Wildlife Australia. Mrs Bryant said Ms O'donoghue was on of eight carers she had noticed was in desperate need of help.
"I noticed a lot of people missing out on funding and recognised Tanya as one of the carers who was struggling massively," Mrs Bryant said.
"I couldn't fund such an enormous project myself so I reached out to Michelle and she agreed to fund the project as long as I did all of the paperwork."
You can follow Mrs O'donoghue's journey at Warrumbungle Wildlife Shelter on Facebook.
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
