In Canberra, there's a group of extraordinary volunteers who have what might be the most heartwarming job description imaginable: cuddling baby wombats. Lindy Butcher, who has spent 30 years as a wildlife carer with Wildlife ACT, jokes about her role with a smile. "It's a terrible job having to cuddle baby wombats to make them feel happy. Honestly, a dreadful job," she says, clearly loving every moment of it.

Butcher currently cares for two six-month-old wombat joeys whose mothers were tragically hit by cars. These little ones would normally be completely dependent on their mothers at this age, but now they've found a devoted substitute parent. "I mean it's no hardship to have a baby wombat with you when you go out to a friend's place for dinner. Nobody complains," she laughs. The joeys need to feel safe and secure, just like any babies, and they want to be near their caregiver at all times.

Beyond the undeniable charm of cuddling wombats, Butcher's motivation runs deeper. She and her fellow volunteers work tirelessly to keep Australia's unique wildlife thriving. "Our volunteers are doing it so that people who live here in Canberra, who love having birds in their garden, echidnas wandering through, waking up to birdsong in the morning, can continue to be amazed by our wildlife," she explains.

The dedication extends far beyond wombats. Mark Jenkins discovered his calling with reptiles after finishing his public service career. Despite having no prior experience, he embraced the challenge and now serves as reptile coordinator and treasurer with ACT Wildlife. He's currently caring for a resilient turtle who survived being hit by a car. Thanks to skilled veterinary work involving metal rods and dental epoxy, the female turtle has recovered so well she's even laid eggs. "So I'm set up to be a turtle dad again," Jenkins shares with joy.

Wildlife veterinarian Rachael Grigson witnesses the extraordinary dedication of these volunteers every day from her small clinic at the back of ACT Wildlife's office at Jerrabomberra Wetlands. "These carers are phenomenal, the work they do, the time they put in, the patience," she marvels. She's made it her mission to care for the carers as much as the animals, understanding that supporting these volunteers is essential to the entire operation.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of these volunteers extends throughout the entire Canberra community. ACT Wildlife handles approximately 14,000 calls per year from concerned residents wanting to help injured wildlife. Each rescued animal represents not just a life saved, but an opportunity to educate the community about coexisting with nature.

As Canberra grows, the organization is actively seeking more volunteers to join their compassionate ranks. Summer is peak season, with heat and increased activity bringing more animals into care. Jenkins encourages everyone to become more aware of the wildlife around them, noting that many injuries result from human activity and could be prevented with greater awareness.

The organization provides training and matches volunteers with species that suit their skills and comfort levels. Whether it's cuddling wombat joeys, caring for injured turtles, or answering emergency calls, there's a role for everyone who wants to make a difference.

For these dedicated carers, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. They're preserving Australia's natural heritage, one rescued animal at a time, and ensuring future generations can wake up to birdsong and marvel at echidnas wandering through their gardens.