Kim Rettig
Founding member/President
BNsg, PGDipMid, CertDip NNICU & IBCL
I have recently retired from a 40-year career that I have loved as a Registered Nurse/Midwife and later a Lactation Consultant. I now have time to pursue my passion for wildlife advocacy, care and rescue.
My love of Tassie's wildlife began in the early 1980's, when I had an experience shaped me in a way that I will always speak up and care for our wonderful and unique wildlife.
As a child, an adolescent, and eventually an adult, I always loved animals....all of them! My mum, an animal lover also used to let me take in the stray cats and dogs in the neighbourhood (way before legislation deemed that animals were registered and housed more safely).
My best friend's dad was a shooter, which is how I became the human mum to my first little Brushy Possum baby. He was delivered to me unexpectedly, as a very young orphan with the finest softest fur only just emerging from his dehydrated little frame.
He looked terrified, he had no one, was alone, hungry and icy cold! I named Flintstone (I was probably a big fan of Wilma and Fred, in the day and I still am today...shhh)!
I knew nothing about hand-rearing a native animal, I was 17 and had only had experience with caring for dogs, cats, rabbits and mice, at that time.
Anyway, long story short.....I immediately took my newly found love to the local vet who gave me formula, and a few instructions on how to care for the little fella. He must have been a very stoic little boy, he thrived in his new home in my tiny bedroom, a tree branch in the corner, a little nest made out of a sheep skin in an old bag as his pouch.
I was covered in scratches as he'd jump and climb on me as his new mum. It was not unusual for me to hand in my then handwritten college assignments with a splash of possum wee on them. My teachers were very understanding!
I raised my little boy to maturity with very few hiccups. Eventually, as he matured his needs changed, I had to find a suitable home for him as a big fully grown possum, I felt he had been too domesticated to be safely released into the wild. I'm not sure my decision was the right one but at that time, there were limited options, I felt it best to rehome my beautiful boy at a wildlife facility at Bicheno (the only of it's kind at the time).
I cried all the way back to Hobart, and for weeks afterwards, I felt I had just given my child away. Little Flintstone was the sweetest little boy who just like us, he needed to be fed, safe warm and cared for.
I will always care for and speak up for Tassie's wonderful wildlife, I thank my little boy for teaching me so much. I am incredibly grateful for the many carers, rescuers and Bonorong Rescue Service as the number of injured and orphaned wildlife in Tassie increases at an astronomical rate.
Elleke Leurs
Founding Member/ Researcher
PhD Candidate
In an effort to reduce wildlife fatalities on the road, my PhD research delved into roadkill within the context of the tourist experience.
I recognised that this issue is not just economic or social—it’s fundamentally about animal welfare and acknowledging the sentience of living beings.
During my research I was introduced to the newly formed initiative, Wildlife and Community Together Tasmania, where I had the opportunity to turn my findings into action, collaborating with passionate wildlife advocates.
I firmly believe that everyone can make a difference. Whether it’s placing a water bowl outside for thirsty wildlife, becoming a wildlife carer, or advocating for change, every small action has a profound impact—both on individual creatures and the broader ecosystem.
Now, as a tour guide, I share this message while showcasing Tasmania’s remarkable wildlife.
By connecting people to the natural world, I strive to support the mission of Wildlife and Community Together Tasmania, demonstrating that small, compassionate steps can spark a larger movement of care, coexistence, and respect for Tasmania’s beautiful animals.
Fiona Connolly
Founding member/Secretary
Dedicated and experienced wildlife rescuer for 14 years
Rescuing can be such a wonderful experience. You get to meet wonderful wildlife up close and personal that you would never normally see and you get to learn so much about them and their habits and habitats.
Rescuing can also be extremely challenging. You are often the first responder to a terrible accident where an animal is in such pain and terrified of having a human so close to them.
Containing them in a timely manner is so important to ease the suffering of having to take them to a local vet or longer distances like to Bonorong.
Whilst meeting joeys can be a lovely experience, the backstory is that their mother has died and they will be stressed and frightened coming into close contact with humans.
You see the best and worst of humanity when out rescuing. People who stay with an animal to keep it safe until we arrive, to helping contain a stressed injured animal.
People so thankful they donate money, or give you cakes they’ve just baked to keeping in contact to find out how the animal fared. Fortunately the good people outweigh the bad.
Sadly many hit animals and continue on without even making a phone call to get help. We can only try and educate such behaviours.
Dealing with the wonderful people on the rescue line at Bonorong, other rescuers and the amazing carers, vets and vet nurses and forming friendships and networks makes it so beneficial for all.
I hope I can continue to help our precious wildlife well into my old age.
Jude Lennox
Founding Member/Vice President
Dedicated and experienced wildlife rescuer for over 43 years
I am a very passionate carer and lover of Tasmania's wildlife.
I am a founding member of our team who are committed to reducing the horrendous number of wildlife injuries and fatalities on our roads. I’ve been a wildlife carer for 43 years and have successfully hand raised (often with the support of my awesome daughter Sacha), thousands of orphaned/injured animals, ranging from Tassie Devils, Quolls, Bandicoots, wombats, the list is endless.
Prior but not limited to this l have a very eclectic work history as a Psych Nurse, Payroll Manager, Florist, Qualified Manufacturing Jeweller, Artist in various media and the constant thread through it all is my passion for our precious, unique wildlife. They have been the constant, always will be.
I hope that through education we can connect with our community members to make Tassie's roads and communities a much safer place for our wonderful native friends.
