Wildlife Surrounds

27/08/2026

🎉 Happy 8th Birthday, Jiemba! 🐾💛

The loudest voice in the pack, the biggest case of FOMO, and quite possibly the most suspicious dingo you’ll ever meet. 😂

If another dingo is getting attention, you can guarantee Jiemba has something to say about it. But when it comes to anything—or anyone—new, that’s a very different story.

Jiemba likes to take his time. New volunteers can expect to be carefully assessed through a year—or more—of regular visits before he decides they’re trustworthy enough to welcome into his inner circle. And don’t even think about turning up to walk Jiemba in a new pair of work boots and expecting him not to notice. Those will require a minimum three-month approval process. 🥾

But earning Jiemba’s trust is worth the wait. Once you’re in his circle, he’s one of the most affectionate and cuddly dingoes you could hope to know. 💛

His cautious nature is also a wonderful reminder that every dingo is an individual. They each have their own personalities, boundaries and ways of responding to the world around them—and building trust happens on their terms, not ours.

Happy belated 8th birthday to our wonderfully vocal and affectionate Jiemba! Here’s to another year of cuddles, commentary and keeping everyone on their toes. His actual birthday was 23 June, but it's never too late to celebrate Jiemba! 😂

09/08/2026

🌿 Growing Eco-tourism Through Collaboration

Wildlife Surrounds recently hosted an Eco-tourism Gathering, bringing together Bindal Traditional Owners, Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation, Townsville Enterprise and the Burdekin Shire Council Economic Development and Tourism team to explore opportunities for collaboration across the region.

The morning began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Eddie Smallwood, Bindal Elder. We were all invited to experience the smoke before Eddie continued cleansing around the wildlife enclosures. It was a deeply meaningful and memorable experience, offering a unique opportunity to learn more about the connection between culture, wildlife and the landscape we share.

Guests experienced elements of Wildlife Surrounds' tours firsthand, including wildlife encounters, guided walks, and discussions around conservation, education and eco-tourism. Discussions highlighted ideas and opportunities to strengthen nature-based and cultural tourism across the Burdekin.

🌿 Looking for your next North Queensland adventure? Explore our region via the pages below 👇

Wildlife Surrounds Tours - wildlifesurrounds.com.au/tours
Gudjuda Tours - gudjudatours.com/cultural-tours/
Visit Burdekin, North Queensland - visitburdekin.com.au
Visit Townsville North Queensland - townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au

Australian Tourism Data Warehouse Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water What’s On Burdekin What's On Townsville

07/08/2026

💧 How healthy are Townsville's local waterways?

The newly released 2026 Townsville Dry Tropics Waterways Report Card provides an independent snapshot of the condition of our region's rivers, creeks, estuaries and coastal waters. It's an important resource that helps guide conversations, actions and investment to protect these places for future generations.

Wildlife Surrounds was proud to attend the Report Card launch last week and to renew our commitment Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics for a third consecutive year. Being part of this partnership gives us valuable opportunities to collaborate with researchers, Traditional Owners, community groups, government and industry to strengthen environmental stewardship across the region.

On the night, Wildlife Surrounds donated prizes for the lucky door draw and the annual Tributary Trivia competition—a small contribution to an evening that celebrated collaboration.

💧 Every informed conversation is another step towards healthier waterways.
Take a look at this year's Report Card and see how our waterways are tracking.

🔗 Read the 2026 Report Card:
https://www.healthywaterspartnership.org/report-cards

📸 Photos courtesy of Healthy Waters Partnership / Cameran Laird Photography.

Port of Townsville Limited NQ Dry Tropics NRM Townsville City Council EcoMarines Foundation Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc North Queensland Conservation Council (NQCC)

06/08/2026

🎉 Happy 8th Birthday, Jarli! 🐾💛

Tongue out. Zoomies activated. Life's too exciting to slow down!🤪

If there's a puddle to splash through, a stick to steal, or a reason to sprint around at full speed for absolutely no reason... you can guarantee Jarli will be leading the charge.

Like most dingoes, her birthday was actually back in June, so we've been spreading out the birthday celebrations so each of our ambassador dingoes gets their own special moment in the spotlight.

For eight years, Jarli has been winning hearts with her cheeky personality while helping visitors discover the true story of Australia's iconic dingo. Beneath all those silly faces and endless zoomies is a curious, intelligent dingo who continues to change perceptions.

Join us in wishing this gorgeous goofball a very happy (belated) 8th birthday! 🎂

📸 Swipe through to see some of Jarli's finest "serious ambassador" moments... or, more accurately, her best tongue-out poses and zoomies! 😂

28/07/2026

Excited to be heading to DingoFest! 🐾

Next month, it's time to pull out the winter coat (and thermals!) as Shakira heads back to Melbourne for DingoFest, joining conservationists, speakers and VIP guests from across Australia.

🦴 The dingoes have already informed us they'll be accepting extra pats from the team while the boss is away... although they've also requested a review of the snack budget. We suspect negotiations will be ongoing 😉

A huge thank you to the Australian Dingo Foundation for bringing together such an incredible event, featuring the world premiere of On The Fence, the official book launch of Canis dingo by Dr Bradley Smith, a live panel discussion, interactive Q&A sessions, and so much more.

If you're in Melbourne, head to Fed Square and stop by to say hello!

🐾 Click the link in comments to find out more and grab your DingoFest tickets!

We are thrilled to announce that the amazing VIP guests attending 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁 keep coming! Introducing the inspiring and passionate:

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗥𝗔 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗗

Shakira is an ecologist and founder of Wildlife Surrounds, a Queensland-based organisation dedicated to connecting people with wildlife through ethical eco-tourism, conservation education, environmental consultancy and community engagement.

Her passion for dingo conservation began unexpectedly in 2014 while working in conservation and land management in Victoria. After visiting the 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 to learn about alternatives to 1080 poison, Shakira's understanding of dingoes—and their vital ecological role—was transformed. Inspired by that experience, she helped establish the 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 project, promoting the importance of naturally functioning dingo populations in supporting healthier ecosystems and biodiversity.

This work ultimately led to the creation of 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀. Today, 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 is home to four dingo ambassadors that play a central role in education, research and community engagement. Through ethical, evidence-based experiences, Shakira works to replace fear and misinformation with understanding and respect, while supporting research, improving wildlife coexistence and advocating for science-based conservation. Shakira collaborates with researchers, Traditional Owners, landholders, government and local communities to develop practical approaches to wildlife management and inspire a deeper appreciation of Australia's iconic apex predator.

At 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Shakira, hear how one unexpected visit changed the course of her life and discover why connecting people with dingoes may be one of the most powerful conservation tools we have.

For more information about 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁 and to take advantage of 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 see: https://dingofest.info/

02/07/2026

🌿 A Sunday to slow down, breathe and reconnect.

Last weekend we welcomed a wonderful group to our Wellness with Wildlife event for a day of yoga, meditation, wildlife encounters, bushwalking and a refreshing creek swim.

It was an opportunity to step away from the everyday, reconnect with nature, and share the experience with a community of like-minded people.

We raised just over $1,000 towards upgrading our wildlife enclosures. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special.

A special thank you to the amazing Brooke for leading such a rejuvenating yoga and meditation session and helping everyone start the day feeling grounded and refreshed. 💚

We're already looking forward to the next Wellness with Wildlife event. If you'd love to join us next time, let us know in the comments or keep an eye on our page for future event announcements.

27/06/2026

Good fire management starts with good neighbours. 🔥🤝

Earlier this month, we worked with neighbours and the Scott Rural Fire Brigade to plan and carry out a cool burn on the property, helping to reduce fuel loads.

Cool burns are conducted under specific weather conditions and at the appropriate time of year. When carefully planned and managed, they help protect, property and wildlife by reducing the risk and intensity of future bushfires.

A big thank you to our neighbours and everyone from our local brigade Queensland Fire Department for their collaboration, local knowledge and commitment to keeping our wildlife and property safe.

25/06/2026

🌿 Wellness with Wildlife was just featured on 7NEWS Townsville !

With just 3 more sleeps until our nature-filled wellness experience, now's the perfect time to secure your ticket.

Spend the day slowing down, reconnecting with nature, enjoying yoga and meditation, meeting our ambassador wildlife, exploring beautiful bushland, and finishing with a refreshing creek swim. 💚

We can't wait to welcome everyone this Sunday!!

🎟️ Got your ticket yet? We'd love to see you here!! Link in comments 👇

24/06/2026

🌿 From an idea to a room full of possibility...

I had the privilege of pitching at the Smart Precinct NQ Founder Pitch Showcase, alongside 14 inspiring founders and in front of a room full of innovators, researchers, investors and supporters of North Queensland entrepreneurship.

As an environmental scientist, I've spent years helping landholders manage landscapes and protect wildlife. One thing I've learnt is that w**ds are often a problem unseen until they're widespread and far more costly to manage.

My pitch explored how our Land BioPlan platform combines on-ground assessments, drone technology and spatial intelligence to help landholders identify w**d risks earlier, make informed decisions and protect the landscapes they care about.

I'm excited to see where these conversations lead and to continue building partnerships that create healthier landscapes.

A huge thank you to my Townsville Family for supporting me on stage, the Smart Precinct NQ, JCU: James Cook University, Australia, Townsville City Council, Queensland Government, the mentors, judges and organisers for creating such a supportive environment for founders.

- Shakira

📸 A few highlights from a memorable evening. Photo credits in each image description.

Pitch event video link in the comments. 🌿

23/06/2026

🎂🐾 Happy 11th Birthday, Aayla! 🐾🎂

11 laps around the sun for our fluffy alpine princess! ☀️

Aayla is equal parts elegance and sass—she'll carefully tiptoe around the tiniest puddle and refuse to walk in the rain, but the moment we reach the creek she's the first dingo to launch herself straight in! 💦😂

Always smiling, always photogenic, and always reminding us that life is better when you go your own way.