Gaia’s Story

Gaia was born from a love of animals, community, and education. It was equally born from frustration, disappointment, and determination

I’ve worked as a zookeeper in two Australian wildlife parks, and was privileged to care for koalas, kangaroos, snakes, lizards, birds, turtles, crocodiles, dingoes, cassowaries, emus, and possums. Of all these animals, humans were the trickiest to deal with. My natural inclination is to learn, grow, challenge systems, make positive change, and encourage others who want to learn. When working in spaces which prioritise profit over principle though, this wasn’t always welcome. Over time, I realised that the animals and I would never be given the space to grow freely, and so it was time to move forward and create something new. I knew that my passion and purpose in life is to care for wildlife. I was also realising that it couldn’t be on anyone else's terms. I was tired of my ambition and education being limited by the company I was working for, of being denied the opportunity to learn, experiment and make lasting positive impacts.

I was trying to find a way to do the two things I loved most - rehabilitating injured animals and encouraging others to do the same. Healing and teaching was the way I wanted to serve wildlife, and I was in no hurry to join another project which would limit my freedom to do this. The idea of running my own wildlife hospital sounded very appealing, but also very unattainable. I'd need a lot of money, support, and experience. I figured that if I worked really hard for a few decades, I could afford to buy the land, and then open a small rehab facility. But I'm actually very impatient and couldn't let go of the urge to make it all happen right now, and to embrace the support of all the people who would equally love to see this vision unfold.

My impatience was heightened by the urgency of care our wildlife needs. The extinction crisis in Australia means that our animals and ecosystems are at fatal risk. I realised that if I waited any longer I'd be allowing irreversible damage to be done. 

From here, the idea began to unfold naturally. Maybe if I fundraised, I could create the hospital faster. Maybe if I made education and community a priority, I could give wildlife carers the support and encouragement they need to save more animals than I ever could on my own. I knew I couldn't be the only one who had a lot of passion but little guidance, and it breaks my heart to imagine all the carers who gave up because they were unsupported. So it became my mission to educate and empower Australia's wildlife carers.

Making this decision and honouring it everyday since has been so natural and meaningful. The actual execution has been incredibly complex, and I imagine that it will continue to be, forever.  But there's nothing I'd rather be doing. Building Gaia Village is my life's purpose, and I'll do it with joy and resilience every step of the way.

On behalf of the koalas, kangaroos and carers, thank you for hearing my story, and for supporting my dream.

With love,

Lauren