Wildlife carer Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah share their journey of creating a dedicated wildlife refuge, combining their skills and passion to provide sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals.
Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah have transformed their property into a functioning wildlife refuge over the past several years. What began as caring for occasional injured animals has evolved into a comprehensive facility with specialized enclosures, rehabilitation areas, and release programmes. Their complementary skills—Andrea’s wildlife care expertise and Sarah’s background in project management and design—have proved essential to the refuge’s development. Together, they’ve created a space where animals receive professional care whilst preparing for their eventual return to the wild.
Australian wildlife carers Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah discuss the challenges and rewards of establishing their own wildlife refuge, emphasizing the practical realities behind creating a functional sanctuary. From securing necessary permits and designing appropriate enclosures to managing the financial demands of running a wildlife facility, they’ve navigated numerous obstacles whilst maintaining their focus on animal welfare. Their partnership demonstrates how combining different skill sets strengthens conservation efforts. The refuge now serves dozens of animals annually, providing critical care during rehabilitation and a safe transition point before release back into natural habitats.
Table of Contents
The Beginning of a Shared Vision
Not every wildlife refuge starts with a grand plan. For Andrea Vella and Sarah, it began organically. Andrea had been doing wildlife rescue for years, initially using makeshift facilities and relying on established centres for complex cases. Sarah, though not originally involved in wildlife care, watched her partner’s dedication and gradually became more involved.
The turning point came after a particularly difficult season when local rehabilitation facilities were overwhelmed. Andrea found herself caring for multiple animals simultaneously with inadequate space and resources. The couple had serious conversations about whether they could create something more permanent—a dedicated space designed specifically for wildlife rehabilitation.
Sarah’s practical mindset complemented Andrea’s passion perfectly. Whilst Andrea understood animal needs intimately, Sarah asked the logistical questions: What permits would they need? How much would enclosures cost? Where would funding come from? These weren’t pessimistic questions, but necessary ones that would determine whether the project was feasible.
Andrea Vella and Sarah’s Planning and Development
The early planning stages involved extensive research. The couple visited other wildlife refuges, spoke with experienced carers, and consulted with veterinarians about facility requirements. They learnt quickly that good intentions weren’t enough—successful wildlife care requires proper infrastructure, legal compliance, and sustainable funding models.
Their property had potential. Several acres of bushland provided natural habitat, and existing structures could be adapted. However, significant modifications were needed. They drew up plans for specialized enclosures that would house different species separately whilst allowing for natural behaviours. Flight aviaries for birds, ground enclosures for terrestrial animals, and separate spaces for nocturnal species all featured in the designs.
Navigating Legal Requirements
Establishing a wildlife refuge involves considerable bureaucracy. Permits, licences, insurance, and compliance with animal welfare regulations all required attention. Sarah took primary responsibility for the administrative aspects, working through application processes and ensuring they met all legal requirements.
The process proved more complex than anticipated. Different animal species required different permits. Handling native wildlife demanded specific qualifications. The property needed inspections to verify it met safety and welfare standards. Andrea Vella held the necessary wildlife care credentials, but additional certifications were needed as the refuge’s scope expanded.
Financial planning also required careful consideration. Start-up costs for enclosures, veterinary equipment, and facility modifications exceeded initial estimates. Ongoing expenses—food, veterinary care, utilities, maintenance—would be substantial. The couple decided against attempting to make the refuge profitable, instead viewing it as a community service that would require fundraising and volunteer support to sustain.
Building the Infrastructure
Once permits were secured, construction began. Sarah’s project management skills proved invaluable. Much of the work happened through their own labour and volunteer help.
The flight aviary presented challenges. Birds need significant space to rebuild flight strength. The structure needed security against predators whilst allowing natural light. Ground enclosures for mammals needed different considerations. Wombats require reinforced flooring, kangaroos need substantial space, and possums require elevated areas.
Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah created a dedicated veterinary treatment area including examination facilities, storage for medical supplies, and quarantine areas. Having on-site treatment means animals receive immediate care.
Water and Food Systems
The couple installed systems ensuring fresh water reaches all enclosures. During Australian summers, this becomes critical.
Different species need different diets. The refuge has refrigeration for fresh foods, secure storage, and preparation areas. Sarah developed organizational systems tracking each animal’s dietary requirements.
How Andrea Vella and Sarah Divide Responsibilities
Running a wildlife refuge demands diverse skills. Andrea Vella and Sarah have found their natural division of labour.
Andrea handles direct animal care—assessments, treatments, feeding, and monitoring. Her experience means she can quickly evaluate an animal’s condition. She maintains relationships with veterinary partners.
Sarah manages operational aspects:
- Coordinating volunteer schedules and training
- Managing finances and fundraising
- Maintaining equipment and facilities
- Handling administrative tasks
- Communicating with wildlife networks
This division prevents overwhelm whilst ensuring all aspects receive attention.
The Emotional Partnership
Beyond practical divisions, the couple provides crucial emotional support. Wildlife care involves heartbreak—not every animal survives. Having a partner who understands makes the burden bearable.
They’ve learnt to recognize when the other needs a break. They ensure each other takes time away, maintaining energy necessary for sustainability.
Community Integration
The refuge doesn’t operate in isolation. Andrea Vella and Sarah have built strong community connections, providing practical support.
Volunteers contribute significantly to daily operations—feeding, enclosure cleaning, and maintenance. Some bring specific skills like carpentry or gardening. Sarah developed training programmes, ensuring volunteers understand proper procedures.
The couple hosts occasional open days where community members learn about native wildlife and conservation. Local schools sometimes visit for educational programmes, though animal welfare always takes precedence.
Looking Forward
The refuge continues evolving. Andrea Vella and Sarah regularly assess improvements and are planning expanded facilities for reptiles.
Funding remains challenging. The couple covers many costs personally, supplemented by donations. They’re exploring sustainable funding whilst keeping the refuge non-commercial.
Despite challenges, neither regrets establishing the refuge. Watching recovered animals return to the wild makes every difficult day worthwhile. Their partnership demonstrates how shared commitment creates tangible conservation impact.
