Despite a childhood fear of animals, Tegan Ward has found her calling as one of Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary’s newest Keepers, writes Georgia Fox. Tegan Ward is relishing her role helping to care for the diverse collection of animals residing at Knockrow’s former Macadamia Castle – an unexpected turn of events for someone with a childhood fear of animals. Watching Steve Irwin and visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary as a young teen helped her not only overcome her apprehension, but opened her eyes to the wonder and importance of Australia’s unique fauna, ultimately leading the 26-year-old Ballina local to attain a Certificate III in Wildlife & Exhibited Animals at Wollongbar TAFE last year.
The Sanctuary has served as the work placement destination for TAFE for a number of years, allowing students to learn hands-on skills in caring for animals and wildlife. Students balance two days of theory with two days of practical training at the Sanctuary, allowing for invaluable insights and real-world experience. Upon completing her certification, Tegan’s dedication led her to volunteer at the Sanctuary, a decision that paved the way for her current role.
Tegan’s days are filled with a variety of responsibilities, beginning by ensuring all animals are accounted for and enclosures are clean—a “glorified pooper-scooper,” she laughs—and replenished with fresh water. Food is prepared for over 100 animals with the assistance of volunteers. On-site composting means the gardens are some of the most well-fertilised in the Northern Rivers. Tegan is training to conduct reptile talks for visitors—a role she initially found daunting but enjoys more and more: “I love speaking to people. I love teaching people about our native wildlife as well.”
Tegan’s passion for reptiles is evident, with a particular fondness for the native Woma Python. Unlike other pythons, Womas lack heat-sensing pits and have adapted to hunt cold-blooded prey, such as lizards and other snakes. Remarkably, they are also immune to the venom of some of Australia’s most deadly snakes, including browns, red-bellies, and inland taipans, whether through bites or ingestion.
Beyond her Keeper duties, Tegan is also a Support Worker with the Sanctuary’s NDIS Meaningful Futures Program, providing participants with one-on-one programs allowing for interactions with wildlife and helping out behind the scenes, as well as opportunities to socialise in a supportive, engaging environment.
Tegan’s ultimate aspiration is to work with crocodiles at some point in the future. “The fact they’ve been here for over two million years amazes me. I think they’re absolutely beautiful,” she says. She hopes to spend time in northern Australia to study and train with these ancient reptiles, aiming to deepen her understanding and contribute to their conservation. In the meantime, she gets her crocodile fix visiting Boss Hog, Currumbin’s beloved five-metre-long salty.
She encourages anyone with a love of wildlife and conservation to get involved in the Sanctuary’s volunteer program.
byronbaywildlifesanctuary.com.au
Feature image Tegan and a Woma python Photo Georgia Fox