Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a 5,000-acre haven for native Australian wildlife, exemplifies "Tourism for Good" on Kangaroo Island. Jim Geddes, owner of the sanctuary, shares his dedication to conservation and how they connect visitors to this vital mission.
Hanson Bay's commitment to conservation began over two decades ago with the cessation of farming practices. Today, the sanctuary actively manages its environment through feral animal control, manual weed removal, reforestation, and erosion control.
Recognising the importance of education, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary incorporates conservation elements into all their tours. However, they acknowledge the need to further strengthen this connection, particularly regarding the threat posed by feral cats.
For Jim, being an Island Guardian is about fostering meaningful experiences with nature and promoting awareness of biodiversity conservation. He believes that by providing educational experiences, the sanctuary can inspire visitors to become stewards of the environment.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary embodies the core principles of "Tourism for Good." Their dedication to education, conservation, and community engagement sets a high standard for sustainable tourism practices on Kangaroo Island. As Jim explains, "Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that not only showcase the beauty of Kangaroo Island but also inspire visitors to become advocates for conservation".
