Billabong Sanctuary

24/10/2026

Did you know Billabong is home to over 40 wild bird species? If you love birds, there are plenty to spot around our sanctuary!

21/10/2026

Last week, our General Manager and Wildlife Curator had the pleasure of hosting some very special guests at Billabong Sanctuary.

Thank you for spending time with us Office of the President, Republic of Palau! We hope you enjoyed your visit to Australia and had the chance to experience some of the incredible flora and fauna our country has to offer. 🇵🇼

20/10/2026

How many different birds can you spot in just 20 minutes? The Aussie Bird Count is back, and we’re inviting our Townsville community to take part!

Running from 19–25 October, the count is a chance to spend 20 minutes recording the birds you spot in your backyard, local park or favourite outdoor spot.

From rainbow lorikeets, sulphur-crested cockatoos, galahs, magpies, and to the many other species that call North Queensland home, you might be surprised by what you discover when you take a moment to look around.

No experience is needed! Simply download the free Aussie Bird Count app, follow the prompts and record the birds you see.

Every bird you count contributes to valuable citizen science! With over 400 bird species found in our region, we hope you come across a species you may not have noticed before!

Find out more and get counting at aussiebirdcount.org.au

📸: Ranger Bas Bas

19/10/2026

This is our new Ranger Byron!

He has been here for a week.

Please get all your friends and family to visit him at Billabong Sanctuary and ask him tons of difficult reptile questions. Ask him the hardest or silliest questions you can think of. Put him on the spot.

He doesn’t know we posted this 🤫

17/10/2026

New face to the mob! Meet Ranger Sam!

Sam studied at James Cook University here in Townsville, completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and Ecology.

Before joining the team, Sam worked as a crew lead for ecology technicians managing yellow crazy ants, and previously spent three years working in an environmental laboratory in the USA.

Sam has been volunteering in conservation since around 2018 and officially working in the field since 2021.

What is Sam most excited about? Working with our mammals, particularly koalas and tree kangaroos!

Welcome to the mob Ranger Sam!

14/10/2026

Have you ever heard a koala bellow?

It might not be the sound you’d expect from one of Australia’s most iconic animals! Research from the University of Vienna has found that males use these bellows to advertise their body size to potential rivals and mates. The deeper the bellow, the bigger the male is likely to be! Although some male koalas are able to make themselves sound bigger than they actually are!

12/10/2026

11/10/2026

Over 40 Years of Billabong - Remembering Allira, Kalari, and King

In July 2009, sisters Allira and Kalari arrived at Billabong Sanctuary from Featherdale Wildlife Park. Just 12 weeks old, the pair were soon joined by King, who arrived from a wildlife park in Innisfail in 2010 at one year old.

Ranger Jules, who spent 11 years as their primary keeper and trainer, remembers King as being like an old man from the very beginning. King had a tough exterior, but underneath it all, he was a big sook who loved affection, as long as nobody was watching.

Kalari was the class clown of the family. Joyful, adventurous and rambunctious from the start, she was always ready to explore and keep everyone on their toes.

Allira was the quieter, more introverted sister. She loved to play but had a gentler nature than Kalari, and was very sweet.

As Jules got to know them, the she began taking the dingoes for walks in the afternoons after closing. Learning to read their body language and understand what each dingo was comfortable with was an important part of building that trust.

Over time, the walks transitioned into regular opening hours, becoming a much-loved experience for guests and a chance to get up close with these apex predators.

In late 2021, the park said goodbye to both King and Kalari, both aged around 12 years old.

After losing them both, Jules made a point of coming in seven days a week to spend time with Allira, making sure she remained happy and well cared for.

Allira lived to 14, and like King and Kalari, she’ll always hold a special place in the hearts of the keepers who cared for her over the years.

07/10/2026

Billabong Sanctuary Announces New Chapter for Beloved Dingoes Rusty and Kirby 💚

Billabong Sanctuary has made the heartfelt decision to return resident dingoes Rusty and Kirby to Sydney Dingo Rescue, where they will continue their journey in an environment better suited to their individual needs.
While saying goodbye will be difficult for staff and many regular visitors, the decision has been made with one priority in mind: the welfare of the animals.

Since arriving at Billabong Sanctuary in 2024 at the ages of 5 and 6 years, Rusty and Kirby have been much-loved members of the Sanctuary family. Throughout their time with us, our dedicated mammal team has worked closely with both dingoes, providing ongoing training, enrichment, behavioural support and veterinary care.

However, over time it has become clear that Rusty and Kirby would benefit from a quieter environment better suited to their preferences and health needs.

Wildlife Curator Ray Stephens said the decision reflects Billabong Sanctuary's commitment to always putting animal welfare first.

"Rusty and Kirby are wonderful animals who have been deeply cared for by our team. This decision is not a reflection of any failure on their part. Quite simply, they have shown us that they would be more comfortable in a different environment, and it is our responsibility to respond to their individual needs.”

Kirby has remained a reserved dingo who we have found to be uncomfortable by large groups of loud children and guests. Rusty, while more confident, has developed a chronic skin condition due to the North Queensland climate that has required considerable veterinary attention.

Rusty and Kirby are not going into an uncertain future. Prior to arriving at our sanctuary, the dingoes spent time at Australia’s largest Dingo rescue and rehabilitation. Returning them to the Sydney Dingo Rescue provides an opportunity for them to transition into a previously familiar environment with devoted carers who understand their individual needs. We are incredibly grateful to Sydney Dingo Rescue for their support.

The entire Billabong Sanctuary team wishes Rusty and Kirby all the very best in their next chapter, and thanks the community for the enormous amount of affection shown to them over the years.