OUR STORY
When it all began
ZAMBI was founded in 2012 as a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation that would become a retreat for exotic animals retired from the circus, film and TV Industry, or private zoo collections.
ZAMBI Wildlife Retreat was created based on a love for nature with the help of many dedicated volunteers, donations, and sponsorships.
Our namesake, Zambi, was the first lion cub to be raised at the retreat after her mother rejected her.
(Zambi our namesake lionesses)
Today, ZAMBI is home to a diversity of animals who have come through our gates for many reasons. Whether it was a pride of lions retired from the circus or a family of little monkeys surplus to a zoo’s collection, we were/are happy to do whatever we can to give them all a loving and enriching life.
The ZAMBI Directors have a wealth of knowledge within the animal industry and have operated successful businesses. This solid business and industry knowledge foundation, plus the determination and passion to make a difference, saw the birth of the ZAMBI Wildlife Foundation in 2020.
The ZAMBI Wildlife Foundation is synonymous with Positive Animal Welfare and represents the broader scope of the organisation's activities.
Conservation of the natural world is one of our main objectives.
Our Directors
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Donna Wilson
FOUNDER/ DIRECTOR / MANAGER
Donna completed a Diploma in Professional Zoo-Keeping and graduated with honours (She also holds an Australian Certificate IV in Captive Animal Management).
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Traci Griffiths
DIRECTOR
Traci is a member of WIRES, specialising in caring for possums & gliders, an active animal rights activist and a certified Animal Reiki practitioner. She is also a BLS (Basic life support) instructor for animals.
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Dr Rob Zammit
DIRECTOR / VETERINARIAN
Known for his media work in such programs as A Country Practice, Burke’s Backyard and 2GB, Dr Zammit’s first love is veterinary science.
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Carolyn Deigan
DIRECTOR/ LEGALS
Carolyn has over 35 years of extensive experience acting for a broad range of corporations and private clients.
She is an expert in property and property development and is an experienced commercial litigator.
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Sally Padey
DIRECTOR
Sally, founder and creator of the beautiful Mogo Zoo on the NSW South Coast is a remarkable woman.
Sally sold her legacy in 2019 to retire and enjoy family life and her love of horses on her property in Temora.