Support Australia's Wildlife – Make a Difference Today

At Skippy Down Under, we’re not just about offering unforgettable photo experiences—we’re passionate about protecting the incredible animals that call Australia home. Your donations help fund vital conservation efforts, protect endangered species, and support wildlife research to preserve these unique creatures for future generations.

From the iconic kangaroo to the cuddly koala, many of Australia’s native animals are facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. By contributing, you’re directly supporting programs that restore habitats, protect wildlife, and fund critical research initiatives.

What Animals Can I See?

 

KANGAROO

  • Kangaroos, the symbol of Australia, are marsupials found across the country’s vast landscapes, from open grasslands to forests. Known for their powerful hind legs and long leaps, they can cover up to 9 meters in a single bound. They also use their strong tails for balance while hopping.

    Kangaroos are social animals, living in groups called mobs. Their diet consists of grasses and shrubs.

  • Generally, they are peaceful, but males can be aggressive during mating season.

  • Kangaroos are native to Australia, where they roam the open plains, woodlands, and grasslands across the continent.

  • Most kangaroo species are classified as “Least Concern,” but some populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting.

  • While kangaroos are not currently endangered, habitat fragmentation and human activity are putting pressure on their natural environments. Your donation helps fund habitat restoration and kangaroo research programs.

 

KOOKABURRA

  • Found in eastern Australia, the kookaburra is famous for its call, which sounds like human laughter. As part of the kingfisher family, they feed on small animals, including insects, reptiles, and mice. Kookaburras live in family groups and are often seen perched high in trees, scanning for prey.

  • Their "laughter" is actually a form of communication used to mark territory.

    The kookaburra’s distinctive call sounds like human laughter, and is often heard during dawn and dusk, earning them the nickname “bushman’s alarm clock.”

  • The laughing kookaburra is native to eastern Australia, thriving in forests and suburban areas.

    They are most often found near water bodies or in forests, but are also common in urban settings.

  • Although not endangered, kookaburras are affected by deforestation and urbanization. Donations help support their habitat preservation and further research on their behavior.

  • While Kookaburras are not currently endangered, habitat fragmentation and human activity are putting pressure on their natural environments. Your donation helps fund habitat restoration and research programs.

 

MAGPIE

  • Magpies are highly intelligent birds found throughout Australia, known for their bold behavior and beautiful warbling songs. They are omnivores, eating insects, seeds, and small animals. During spring, they become territorial and may swoop at passersby to protect their nests.

  • Generally, they are peaceful, but males can be aggressive during mating season.

  • Magpies are widespread across Australia and are often found in urban and rural areas.

    They are highly adaptable and can be found in forests, open grasslands, and even city parks.

  • Magpies are not considered endangered, but habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts can affect their population in urban areas.

  • Magpies benefit from urban wildlife programs that aim to maintain healthy interactions between people and birds. Donations support research and conservation efforts focused on urban wildlife.

 

SALTWATER CROCODILE

  • The world’s largest living reptile, the saltwater crocodile, is found in northern Australia’s rivers and coastal areas. These powerful predators can grow up to 7 meters long (23 feet) and are known for their stealthy hunting techniques. They feed on fish, birds, and mammals, using their strong jaws to catch prey.

  • Yes, they are apex predators and can be very dangerous to humans.

  • The laughing kookaburra is native to eastern Australia, thriving in forests and suburban areas.

    They are most often found near water bodies or in forests, but are also common in urban settings.

  • Although classified as “Least Concern,” saltwater crocodiles are still threatened by illegal hunting and habitat destruction.

    Crocodile conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and reducing human-crocodile conflicts. Your donation supports the preservation of these ancient reptiles.

  • Crocodile conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and reducing human-crocodile conflicts. Your donation supports the preservation of these ancient reptiles.

 

CANE TOAD

  • Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 to control insect pests, but their population exploded, causing serious ecological damage. They are toxic to many native animals that try to eat them, disrupting local ecosystems.

  • They are toxic and kill many native animals that mistake them for prey.

  • Originally from Central and South America, cane toads were introduced to Australia in the 1930s and are now widespread in the north and northeast.

    They thrive in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas, and are particularly abundant in tropical regions.

  • Cane toads secrete a potent toxin that can kill animals and harm humans. As an invasive species, they have caused widespread damage to Australia’s ecosystems by preying on native species and poisoning predators.

  • Eradicating cane toads is a major environmental challenge. Your donation helps fund eradication programs and public education efforts.

    This invasive species is detrimental to native Australian wildlife.

 

WOMBAT

  • Wombats are burrowing marsupials native to Australia’s forested regions and grasslands. Despite their slow and stocky appearance, they can run up to 40 km/h when threatened. They are unique for producing cube-shaped droppings, which they use to mark their territory.

  • Their slow digestive process and muscular intestines shape their droppings into cubes.

  • Wombats live in eastern and southern Australia, preferring forested, mountainous, and grassland areas.

    Wombats are burrowers, known for digging extensive tunnel systems that provide shelter and protection from predators.

  • They can run up to 40 kilometers or 25 miles per hour, despite their stocky appearance!

  • Some species, like the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat, are critically endangered due to habitat loss.

    Help protect wombat habitats and support breeding programs for endangered species.

  • Crocodile conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and reducing human-crocodile conflicts. Your donation supports the preservation of these ancient reptiles.

 

EMU

  • Emus are Australia’s tallest birds, standing up to 6 feet tall, and can run at speeds up to 50 km/h. They are found throughout Australia’s open landscapes and are known for their inquisitive nature and strong legs. Emus cannot fly but have small vestigial wings that help them maintain balance while running.

  • Emus are native to mainland Australia, where they can be found in grasslands, forests, and savannas.

    Emus roam widely across Australia’s open landscapes, from deserts to coastal regions. They require large areas to forage and travel in search of food.

  • No, emus are flightless birds, but they are excellent runners.

  • Emus can run up to 50 km/h (31 mph) to escape predators.

    Emus are the world’s second-largest bird, and unlike many birds, they have calf muscles, which allow them to run at high speeds.

  • Emus are not endangered, but habitat loss and land-use changes can affect their populations in some areas.

  • While emus are not at risk of extinction, habitat preservation and minimizing human-wildlife conflict are essential for their continued well-being. Your donation helps ensure emus have safe environments to thrive in.

 

DINGO

  • Australia’s wild dogs, dingoes, are often found in remote regions across the country. Highly adaptable, they survive in deserts, forests, and grasslands, hunting small to medium-sized animals like rabbits and kangaroos. Dingoes play a vital role in maintaining Australia’s ecological balance by controlling populations of invasive species.

  • Dingoes are found across mainland Australia, from deserts to tropical regions, but are most common in remote areas.

    Dingoes are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.

  • Emus can run up to 50 km/h (31 mph) to escape predators.

    Emus are the world’s second-largest bird, and unlike many birds, they have calf muscles, which allow them to run at high speeds.

  • Dingoes are under threat from interbreeding with domestic dogs, which dilutes their genetic purity. Your donation supports efforts to maintain dingo populations and preserve their natural habitats.

  • Dingoes are under threat from interbreeding with domestic dogs, which dilutes their genetic purity. Your donation supports efforts to maintain dingo populations and preserve their natural habitats.

 

KOALA

  • Native to the eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia, koalas are known for their adorable, sleepy demeanor. They spend up to 20 hours a day resting in trees, munching on eucalyptus leaves, which make up nearly all of their diet. Despite their docile appearance, koalas are excellent climbers and use their sharp claws to move between branches. Unfortunately, habitat loss and disease threaten their populations.

  • Native to eastern Australia, particularly in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

    Koalas live in eucalyptus forests and woodlands, spending most of their time perched in trees.

  • Yes, they rest for up to 20 hours to conserve energy due to their low-nutrient diet.

    Despite their sleepy nature, they are excellent climbers and can leap between trees.

  • While not yet endangered, koalas are considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and disease.

  • Koalas face significant threats from habitat loss and climate change, which affect their food sources. Your donation helps protect koala habitats and supports reforestation efforts to ensure they have a place to call home.

GET INVOLVED

GET INVOLVED

At Skippy Down Under, we bring you closer to Australia's most iconic animals for unforgettable photo opportunities and unique wildlife experiences.

Learn about Australia’s magnificent creatures, take a photo with them, and make a difference by supporting conservation efforts through donations.