Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Mylor

I would highly recommend Urimbirra or Cleland Wild life Parks as better alternatives. I found the management here to have highly discriminatory and ableist attitudes. Managment removed my daughter from the keeper program because she was allegedly "slowing down" (actual quote) other children due to her disability. They were in the Koala enclosure collecting leaves at the time - how slow could she have been?! The only other activity completed was the reptile room and I was actually present then. What I observed was completely contradictory to managements claim. The other younger children in the group were actually slowing things down - touching things they were not supposed to and asking loads of unimportant questions (what is the bin for?, etc) consuming the guides time. However, my daughter interacted completely appropriately. I was then told by management I could not stay with her, and within 10 minutes, she was removed from the group!! Management was completely NON-negotiable in making ANY small changes that could have supported her in participating (like allowing me to simply stand in the background). My daughter was completely crushed, confused, embarrassed and was made to feel 'less than'. On our way out, I bumped into the guide, Billie (who was leading the group) and she said my daughter had done very well and was joining in excellently - completely contradictory to managements statements. Management offered a refund or suggested I pay another $119 for an extra ticket so she could do the tour WITHOUT other children present, just myself. Firstly, I will not pay a single cent more to subject my daughter to being treated like she is an inconvenience  Secondly, my daughter has Autism and a mild intellectual disability, she does not have a contagious disease!!! She needs to be included in social participation NOT further ostracised!! She is polite and extremely well behaved and I find it near impossible to believe she was negativity impacting others - other children can actually learn a lot from her. We have NEVER experienced such discriminatory treatment as we received at Warrawong. I was truly shocked at the unapologetic blatant ableism of management. Cleland and Urimbirra have been wonderfully inclusive as have very many other places we have been. I'd highly recommended management seek professional development in the area of disability and I'd also suggest education on anti-discriminatory laws and practices. BY LAW there is an obligation to make any necessary small adjustments to be inclusive of disabled people. A simple, small adjustment could have easily been made that day. In summary, the sanctuary itself is small, but has some nice areas. The management however, is where the sanctuary fails. I highly recommend other wildlife sanctuaries over this one.

In response to owner: I removed my previous review ONLY due to you posting my daughters name repeatedly, which you have done again. She is a child and an especially vulnerable one at that. In the interests of her safety, I hope that you will respectfully REMOVE HER NAME. Your initial response was hostile and accusatory. I personally had nothing to gain by deleting it other than protecting my child's identity. I am saddened that you stand by your discriminatory views and actions. There was certainly NEVER any safety concerns expressed to me. You simply said she was, "slowing down the group" and that you "can not permit her to impact on the experience of the other [non disabled] children" You reiterated that in your response to my initial review, so you obviously firmly hold those bigoted views. This is actually the epitome of ABLEISM. IF you would have simply asked her not to enter the dingo pen, I would have been completely okay with that, as would she. She was really most interest in the birds anyway. You refused to make any small accommodation and that is both unethical and discriminatory - it is actually against the law I would invite you to engage with the disability community and open your mind to fostering greater compassion and inclusivity...

A Memorable Wildlife Experience Amidst Nature's Splendor!

My recent visit to Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary was an absolute delight! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly staff who made us feel incredibly welcome. Their warm hospitality and extensive knowledge about the sanctuary and its inhabitants added a personal touch to our experience.

The sanctuary itself is a tranquil haven nestled in the heart of nature. The serene environment immediately put us at ease, allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The well-maintained grounds and lush greenery created a peaceful ambiance that was simply breathtaking.

The staff at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary went above and beyond to ensure that we had an unforgettable time. They were always available to answer our questions and guide us through the sanctuary, providing fascinating insights into the diverse range of species that call this place home. Their passion for wildlife conservation was evident, and it made our visit all the more meaningful.

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the kangaroos. These incredible creatures were not only captivating but also incredibly friendly. It was a joy to observe them in their natural habitat, hopping around with such grace and curiosity. The sanctuary's commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for these animals was evident, and we felt privileged to witness their beauty up close.

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary offers an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. With its variety of species and the opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation, it is truly a gem. We left with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature.

If you're seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature's wonders and a chance to connect with Australia's unique wildlife, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an experience that will leave you with a profound sense of awe and gratitude. Don't miss out on this...

While the sanctuary was lovely, I refuse to support this business. There are obviously huge issues in management. I expect this review to be met with a lack of accountability and remorse, but I feel as though it is a call to action for this family business.

I know a very kind and agreeable person who was given extremely critical feedback by the manager after their FIRST fabulous talk. This left a very bad taste in my mouth. I do not wan't to get into the unethical practice of advertising a casual position, accepting someone for this, paying them this one trial and then telling them to start volunteering, to which they agreed -- and then the staff never contacted them again. Try to twist the story as you wish, I understand that is in your best public interest -- but you owe many people a personal apology for how you screw them over. I personally know 3 people who have either quit due to poor management or have been tossed around like playthings for this company. Just work fairly next time you hire someone, and perhaps don't advertise when you have people 'volunteering for 10 years' that you could pay instead.

It seems like Warrawong (or rather it’s management team) does not favour experienced and intelligent staff — there were a few kids doing talks that I felt were neither very entertaining or informative. Is having a few less dollars in your pocket worth it for your guests to walk away feeling unsatisfied?

While listening to one talk, I was quite horrified by the attitude of a young female head keeper. Overall her talk was great, but she continuously criticised one family for letting their cat outside — this made the whole group uncomfortable, especially that poor family, who was clearly very embarrassed. People are not giving you money to be shamed.

Until Warrawong improves their business practices, I’ll be heading to...