Wildlife Land Trust / Sanctuaries / QLD / Chris and Sandra’s Refuge

Sandra and Chris Thornthwaite are the owners of a property located approximately 5km north of Yandina. The property is a residence and dedicated wildlife-friendly sanctuary, and it is Chris and Sandra’s intent for it to continue in these purposes while they continue to plant native vegetation to provide better habitat for local wildlife. Sandra and Chris have noticed a significant increase in the number of birds present on their sanctuary due to degradation of surrounding land, highlighting the importance of their safe haven.

The property totals 1.44 hectares with a variety of native Australian trees present, predominantly eucalypts. Two dams that provide water for wildlife year-round are surrounded by native grasses that supply seed for birds and cover for smaller wildlife species.

Wildlife species known to inhabit the sanctuary include eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), lace monitors (Varanus varius), tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides), purple swamp hens (Porphyrio porphyrio) and a variety of other native birds, as well as a range of reptile species.