Hi Everyone

I hope everyone is doing well. September was a fantastic time for me as I spent the majority of it in the Australian states of South Australia and Victoria for research for my book.  It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and while it will be difficult to describe these experiences in one post, I will do my best. 

To begin with,  many, many thanks to all the people who took time out of their schedules to meet me, including  Misch Simpson from SKER, Darren and Kris Deane from Three Red Roos, Dr. Phil Hutt from Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre, Dr.  Chris West from Koala Life and Cleland National Park, Dr. Wayne Boardman,  professor at the University of  Adelaide, multiple volunteers from Koala Rescue Inc. in Adelaide,  Sue Westover from South Australian Bat Rescue,   Libby Fisher from Libby's Koala and Wildlife Crusaders, Kat and Malani from Kola Family Crusaders, and documentary filmmakers Andrea, and Peter Hylands.

 A special thanks go to Cybil Kaufmann , Frank Jesse, and Jane Gibb from Griffins Hill Yoga Retreat, Pam Turner from Wildwood Wildlife Shelter, Kylee Donkers and James Leonard from Dutch Thunder Wildlife Life Shelter,  Trish Rothville, and Julie Campagnaro ,  These people served as my hosts, chauffeurs, educators, social secretaries, and most importantly my inspiration. Many of these people I had only "met" via social media, and to allow a stranger into their homes and lives for some time is a big ask and requires a lot of faith.  I'm confident I have forgotten people who I'll add as my memory becomes clear again and I get some sleep.

The trip was full of highs, such as holding a koala and wombat joey, getting a full hug from a kangaroo, taking a nature walk accompanied by three kangaroos,  watching 3-week old emus zoom across a yard, witnessing a platypus and Tasmanian devil in person(albeit in a zoo)  petting and taking a photo with dingoes and their caregiver. Unfortunately, not everything was happy. I accompanied a kangaroo joey to the bet for its final journey, and I witnessed 1st hand the dead wildlife on the Australian roads. 

After my inspirational trip to Australia last month, I changed my focus from the policies that negatively impact these animals to those who care for and treat them. I was amazed by the dedication, motivation, and resilience of these people who sacrifice almost everything for these animals--often with little to no government support. Their work is dangerous, demanding, and physically and emotionally draining. They frequently face societal ridicule, unhelpful, and even contradictory government regulations, yet they continue because of their love for Australia's unique wildlife. Their stories should be told, yet they don't have the time to do it themselves. Therefore, I've got a new title and cover to describe my book more accurately. I'm proud say the photo is mine, and Stan was a handsome model.

I have yet to count the number of photos or videos I took during my trip, but clink on the link below for a summary of the most memorable moments.

https://drive.google.com/file/...