MELTON & MOORABOOL
Home » News » Cuddle a cub

Cuddle a cub

A chance to get up close with one of Australia’s cutest national animals is coming next month.

The Australian Dingo Foundation in Toolern Vale will hold a series of open days from July 4 to give people the chance to learn about the dingo, and also give adults and kids a chance to cuddle and photograph this year’s cubs.

Sanctuary supervisor Kevin Newman said it was an important part of the work they conducted all year long.

“We’re the largest dingo sanctuary in the world,“ Mr Newman said.

“We rescue them, and we also have a conservation breeding program that we run to maintain the purity of the species and also supply zoos and fauna parks with dingos.

“Part of the socialisation training for the puppies is for them to meet as many people as possible, and this also acts as our major fundraiser each year to help us do the work the rest of the year.“

Each open day will start with an educational talk and the chance to see an adult dingo up close, before moving on to cuddles and photos with the cubs.

More than 800 people attend the open days each year, and with social distancing restrictions easing the sanctuary hopes to run the days as normal.

“It’s a lot of fun,“ Mr Newman said.

“We only have 20 people in each session anyway, so it works out quite well, and it’s a good chance for people to see one of Australia’s native animals up close and also support the conservation work that we do.“

The open days will run every weekend from July 4 until September 13

https://dingo-foundation.square.site

Ewen McRae

Digital Editions


  • Fire causes Calder closure

    Fire causes Calder closure

    A truck fire has closed part of the Calder Freeway this morning. A CFA spokesperson said CFA and FRV responded to reports of a vehicle…

More News

  • Folk at your doorstep

    Folk at your doorstep

    Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling as the Festival of Small Halls brings world-class folk talent to Ballan next month. On Wednesday 4 March, Ballan’s Neighbourhood…

  • Rockbank CFA now recruiting

    Rockbank CFA now recruiting

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 528517 Rockbank Fire Brigade is inviting locals to learn more about volunteering at a recruitment information session this Sunday 15 February. The session will…

  • Truck rollover in Deanside

    Truck rollover in Deanside

    The Western Freeway is currently closed Melbourne-bound under Hopkins Road, Deanside following a serious collision which resulted in a truck rollover. Traffic is reportedly heavily congested from the Melton Highway,…

  • Leap To Fame on track for bonus

    Leap To Fame on track for bonus

    Champion pacer Leap To Fame has achieved so much during his illustrious career, with records seemingly falling at his mercy. For example, the Grant Dixon-trained son of Bettors Delight holds…

  • Heritage changes coming

    Heritage changes coming

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 323327 Moorabool council has moved to formally protect more than 100 heritage places across the western part of the shire, voting to adopt an…

  • From the archives

    From the archives

    30 years ago 14 February 1996 Melton traders were last week devising a strategy to defend themselves against the expected impact of the proposed Sydenham Regional Shopping Centre development. 20…

  • Lisa and Jess go beyond the bitumen

    Lisa and Jess go beyond the bitumen

    Local Gordon legends Lisa Plaisted and Jessica Wibberley are set to hit the road for the second time raising funds and awareness for mental health with Beyond Blue’s annual rally,…

  • Man charged following bike theft

    Man charged following bike theft

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 206998 A 25-year-old Melton man has been charged following the theft of a motorcycle from an address in Tarneit on Saturday 7 February. Police…

  • Attempted murder charge

    Attempted murder charge

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 206998 Police have charged a man following an alleged assault and fire in Bacchus Marsh last week. The man was arrested at a residential…

  • Centrals taking the positives

    Centrals taking the positives

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 449511 Melton Centrals are taking the positives out of a tough season on field in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield competition.…