Into the wild Finding wild animals near you

Into the wIldwild

In collaboration with World Animal Protection, travel blogging duo Jarryd and Alesha of NOMADasaurus have put together their tips for seeing animals in the wild, and keeping them safe in the process. Here is their list of do’s and don’ts for encountering wild animals.

Do’s

• When you spot an animal in the wild, make sure you and your children keep your distance. Even the cutest animal can be dangerous if it feels scared or threatened, or it might leave its environment and young ones if you get too close. • When you approach any animal in a controlled environment where it is allowed to do so, like at a reputable sanctuary, walk up to it very slowly and in a calm way.

Don’t make any sudden movements or noises or you may spook it. • Do take a few minutes to watch the animal going about its life. Take note of the way it moves, its behaviour, how it plays or interacts with other creatures and the way it eats. Every animal is special and by simply observing carefully, you and your kids will have a newfound appreciation for them. • Find out as much information as you can about each animal and share that knowledge with your kids. Talk about the importance of conservation so that your children can enjoy these creatures for many years to come. • Do seek out ethical wildlife activities in the wild rather than in zoos.

Don’ts

• Don’t feed any wild animals. Different animals may have very strict diets, and even something that is completely harmless to us can make a creature very sick. • Don’t sign up for any activities or attractions that have you or your kids interact with wildlife in an unnatural environment. Some examples of that are feeding and swimming with dolphins, elephant riding, big cat petting or visiting crocodile farms. • Don’t touch any wild animals, particularly in the sea. Many marine animals have protective membranes over their skin that protects them from bacteria, and the natural oils in our hands can remove this, leaving them open to infection.

By Jarryd and Alesha of NOMADasaurus, www.nomadasaurus.com

Top 4 locations for family-friendly wildlife encounters

To help you be an animal-friendly traveller, World Animal Protection has pulled together their top picks for places you are likely to see Australian animals in the wild in NSW.

Kangaroos at Murramarang National Park:

Kangaroos are fairly common to see. But if you want to see a large population in a picturesque location, Pebbly Beach on the south coast of New South Wales is the place to go. The eastern grey kangaroos who live here are quite happy to be admired and photographed from a distance.

Wombats in Kangaroo Valley:

Just two hours south of Sydney, Bendeela in Kangaroo Valley is the ideal place to see wombats. Set up camp at the Bendeela Recreation Area and wait for dusk, when the wombats – nocturnal creatures – are known to come out from their burrows and graze on the grass of the campground.

Grey nurse sharks at Seal Rocks:

Grey nurse sharks are fierce looking with twisted teeth, but relatively harmless. The Fish Rock Dive off Seal Rocks, on the NSW mid-north coast is one of the few locations along the east coast to reliably see grey nurse sharks. In one underwater channel running beside the submerged boulders, it is not uncommon to see 50 or 60 grey nurse sharks. Although currents are a factor, this is a fairly safe encounter with sharks.

Platypuses at Bombala:

The Bombala region in the Snowy Mountains is known as Platypus Country. Its pristine rivers and streams are home to high numbers of platypuses. Just out of the town is Bombala Platypus Reserve, where a raised platform makes it easier to see the platypuses down below when they emerge in the early morning and late afternoon. Platypuses can stay underwater for up to 14 minutes – so be patient and quiet as you watch. For more details visit www.worldanimalprotection.org.au