WORKING with kangaroos, wallabies and possums is the day-to-day job for one Islander currently managing an animal sanctuary in Australia.

Ian Henderson (23) is based at the Roo Gully wildlife sanctuary in Western Australia with his partner Susanne. The pair met in 2006 at the sanctuary and returned this year to carry on their voluntary work with injured, sick and orphaned animals.

‘Working with the environment is my passion,’ he said. ‘At the moment Australia is gearing up for the bushfire season so we are building a firebreak to protect the site.’

Ian helped at the sanctuary for two months in 2006 and having finished his degree in May this year, returned to Western Australia in July for a second stint at Roo Gully. ‘There are about 50 kangaroos here at the moment,’ he said.

‘They are the main focus of our work and we rely on people bringing in sick or injured animals including orphaned Joeys.’
Ian was born in Jersey, is still based in St Peter and is planning to return with Susanne in four months’ time.

‘I’m not entirely sure about the future,’ he said. ‘I might try to get a job in Australia eventually but I just want to work in something to do with the environment because that is what I’m interested in.’

Having volunteered as a student two years ago, Ian is well aware of the benefits gained through the hands-on work experience.

‘If any Jersey students want to come out here, that would be great,’ he said. ‘Veterinary students would also find it useful because they can shadow our field vet.’

Ian is hoping that people in Jersey want to get involved in the charity because the area, Boyup Brook, is similar to his Island home.

‘People in Jersey are usually very involved with animal charities,’ he said. ‘They can help the sanctuary, which is run as a charity, by adopting a kangaroo or other animal.’

• More information about the sanctuary can beb found at: www.roogully.com

• Picture: Ian with one of the Western Grey kangaroo joeys at the Roo Gully sanctuary