Let's take a stand for our wildlife.
Extinction is a choice.
Australia’s biodiversity is incredibly unique, yet we are world leaders for biodiversity loss. This is downright nuts. Our wildlife is world renowned but many of us are unaware of just how dire our extinction crisis is.
I’m running 150 consecutive marathons for over 6,200 kilometres to share the stories of Australia’s iconic animals that are becoming seriously endangered. I aim to promote people power so that together, we can impact positive change and restore species that are thousands of years old and deserve to be around for many more.
All while running, we will be filming a documentary, talking to community groups and schools and even visiting Canberra to deliver our message about protecting Aussie wildlife. It’s a mammoth task, but our animals deserve the airtime and I am willing to push my body to the limits to provide them this voice.
Take a quick look at some of Australia’s friends who are in desperate need of our help!
Koala
(endangered)
The humble koala, with their chubby body, big nose and round fluffy ears are an instantly recognisable symbol of Australia. We love to scare all tourists into thinking these bears will ‘drop’ at any moment, but the truth is they can sleep for over 18 hours per day due to the low nutrient value of their food.
Queensland’s animal emblem, but a National Treasure.
Threats: tree clearing and global warming.
Gang-gang cockatoo (endangered)
The Gang Gang is a cute, small and stocky cockatoo with a short tail. The males have an incredibly bright scarlet red head, with a grey body. Even if you’ve never seen one, you would have heard their unique ‘squeaky gate’ call.
This beautiful bird represents the Australian Capital Territory – so let’s get our politicians talking about the big issues close to home.
Threats: tree clearing.
Platypus
(near-threatened)
Not unlike the Loch Ness Monster, most of us have never seen one. Pictures on the internet tell me they’re incredibly unique because of their duck bill and webbed feet and incredible electroreceptor detecting skills to catch prey. So, help me finally see one by rebuilding habitats Australia wide.
New South Wales representative.
Threats: waterway pollution and habitat destruction.
Leadbeater’s possum (endangered)
Once thought to be extinct, this little fighter was rediscovered again in 1961! This dude lives in the forests close to Melbourne and can fit in the palm of your hand – adorable!
Like your teenage years, these creatures feed mostly off sweet nectar at night and sleep the day away.
Threats: habitat loss through logging and bushfires.
Victoria’s fury representative.
Kangaroo Island Echidna (endangered)
We all know and love these prickly friends.
Not as cuddly as some of our other iconic mates, this ripper is a unique little ball of spike that always gives us a giggle when we spot one on the trails.
Threats: habitat destruction.