With a changed environment, our planet is changing form and "shape". Due to interconnections (interplays) on every level, as well as not keeping bio-diversity intact, our planet is in danger, so too are the lives of all organisms across this planet. With climate and environmental changes threatening bio-diversity in such space, time and under such conditions, life of animals and plants are on the verge of extinction. At GDF, we believe that some form of local/global sanctuaries should be established in areas where conditions are “healthy”. From an environmental point of view, large areas - as sanctuaries around the globe, where environmentally friendly conditions are present or can be mimicked, allow for bio-diversity and life. With these, both animal and plant life is "again", possible and sustainable. The same applies to maintaining marine life, etc.. At GDF, we believe in this and advocate it as an important condition and impact. | | Fleur Butcher - Director, GDF Sanctuary Fleur grew up in the hills of Perth surrounded by wildlife. From a very early age, she assisted in the care of many species of wildlife as a carer. Her passion for animals and the environment grew from this beautiful bush setting.
Fleur's family were active members of the Darling Range Naturalist club. They spent all their holidays camping in the bush and learning about Australian wildlife.
Fleur has volunteered her spare time to assist wildlife both land and sea. She spent time with the Bunbury dolphin trust, and Underwater World. She has assisted with research on Bottle-nosed dolphins, Humpback whales, and Mahakam River dolphins. She was an active member of west whales attending many whale strandings.
She started her dream job at the Perth zoo 20 years ago. It did not take long to discover her passion for primates, enrichment, training and especially orangutans. In 1996, she followed her passion to Kalimantan where she worked at the Wanariset Reintroduction Centre for 18 months. Fleur was nominated for young Australian of the year for her work with orangutans. Since then, she has been an active supporter and committee member of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation returning frequently to Indonesia with donations and medical supplies. Fleur was a founding member of BOS Australia. In 2007, Fleur put together the successful welding for welfare program which is still ongoing.
She was employed by Zoos Victoria in 2000. Fleur has actively contributed to the formalisation of enrichment and training on the rainforest precinct. She has played an integral part in the development of the new Orangutan Sanctuary at Melbourne Zoo. She now works on the trail precinct. Fleur specialises in the care and management of Siamangs and Orangutans. |
| | Matt Wills, Manager - Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Centre, Vietnam Matt has worked with wildlife insitu and exsitu for the past 11 years. He has worked with all taxa in various institutions around the world, including Whipsnade Wild Animal Park and London Zoo, UK; Sea World, USA; Melbourne Zoo, Australia, and in various institutions through Europe. Matt holds a degree in Environmental Management and has been actively involved in Conservation in Cambodia and Vietnam for the past 5 years. In 2006 he produced and coordinated the 1st Wild Animal Husbandry Workshop in Cambodia held at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. Matt has been working with Wildlife at Risk (WAR) in Vietnam for the past 14 months. WAR run the only multi-species wildlife rescue centre in Southern Vietnam and are actively involved in combating the fight against illegal wildlife trade, increasing awareness and conducting scientific surveys in Vietnam.
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| | Raquel Tobar - Commercial Engineer
Over 6 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions at PricewaterhouseCoopers both in Chile and Australia.
Although having a financial background, Raquel's biggest passion is animals! Since arriving in Australia, she is an active member of the Victorian Ferret Society. Raquel participates in shows and events to educate people in caring for their pets and provide a better understanding of ferrets.
She is currently undertaking a FOTZ (Friends Of The Zoo) volunteer guide course at Melbourne Zoo to continue her path along conservation and education. Having spent more than 16 years in Santiago, Chile, it was there where she started her approach to conservation, particularly after meeting Mrs. Elba Munoz director of "Centre of Rescue and Rehabilitation of Primates Penaflor". The centre rescues and rehabilitates a total of 146 primates of 12 species (basically New World Monkeys). The majority of the monkeys enter with severe conditions after being hunted or taken captive. Chile has NO native primates, and despite that, so many are seized by the Chilean authorities. Raquel aims supporting this project, among others around the the world. |
| | Nigel Williamson - Owner, Nigel's Animal Rescue / Director, Australian Animal Rescue Nigel began his career as an animal rescue officer with RSPCA in 1985. Since starting “Nigel's Animal Rescue” in 1991, Nigel has rescued literally thousands of animals and is widely known amongst Victorians. Nigel offers a unique service to the public, to government departments, local councils, real estate agents, emergency services, Victoria Police and wildlife groups. In 2004 fate took a hand in Nigel's affairs and he met his star-cross lover with also a passion for animals. In March 2006, Sharon Rustman and Nigel Williamson got married, sold their respective homes and decided to purchase a 5 acre property in Devon Meadows. Nigel's Animal Rescue business has received a Certificate of Honorable Mention from Australian Wildlife Protection Council. In 1999, Nigel was awarded a Certificate for excellence in customer relations from Australian Achiever Awards and Melbourne's 3AK radio station. |
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