Attention Animal Lovers: This Charity is Worthy of Your Attention
Set on a lush 50-acre property in Penrith, Western Sydney is an animal sanctuary that's making a difference. Zambi Wildlife Retreat is a retreat for exotic animals retired from the zoo, circus and entertainment industries, as well as a rescue and rehabilitation facility for all species in need. The retreat is not only home to big cats, lions and tigers but primates, native birds, dingoes, wolf dogs, reptiles, domestic and farm animals.
Image: @zambi_wildlife_retreat
The sanctuary was started in 2012 to create "a retreat where animals that had nowhere to go could be offered a new forever home for their retirement." With no walk-ins and limited tours reserved for just weekends, this sanctuary is all about the animals.
Image: @zambi_wildlife_retreat
Three directors run the retreat: Donna Wilson, a professional zookeeper and big cat handler; Traci Griffiths, a long-time volunteer, fundraiser, animal rights activist and animal reiki practitioner; and Dr Rob Zammit, a veterinarian who has dedicated his life to caring for animals but teaching others.
Zambi is the dream retreat for animals in need and is a place that combines big game viewing with a very noble cause—and right on our doorstep.
Booking a Visit
Zambi was created for the animals, so visits to the park are by appointment only. The sanctuary is open on weekends and public holidays, and bookings are limited to 6 people per session.
The guided tour costs $150 per person and includes a personal 2-hour visit which includes complimentary Aqualove water, H2coco Pink coconut water, brewed Sumatran tiger coffee and a choice of teas. Morning teas and brunch can also be organised by local caterers for group bookings of 6 only.
The sanctuary also offers two unique encounters, which come at an additional cost. These include hand-feeding a lion and tiger or hanging out with the sanctuary’s Marmosets, Pedro, José and Lola.
Image: @zambi_wildlife_retreat
How to Help
Donate
If you are looking to support Sydney’s wildest retirement home, then Zambi Wildlife Retreat is just the place. Donations help the retreat provide the best care possible to all animals that come through their gates. Whether an old, retired lion or a homeless pig, Zambi Wildlife Retreat exists to offer these animals in need a happy home.
The website has a monthly giving program with a one-off or recurring donation options that are all tax-deductible as the retreat is a non-profit organisation.
Image: @zambi_wildlife_retreat
Volunteer
Zambi is taking applications for volunteer tradesmen and is looking to fill committees, including memberships and fundraising, to help with marketing, outreach, administration and social media. The retreat also offers work experience for those currently working in the animal industry or studying an animal-related course at TAFE or University.
Visit the retreat’s website to make a booking or head to their donation or volunteer page to see how you can help this very worthy cause.
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