Page 47 - Port Douglas Magazine 44

Sybella Salter

WILDLIFE HABITAT

One thing’s for sure: Sybella Salter has no
shortage of incredible travel stories. Her life
has been shaped by a spirit of adventure, a
love for exploring the world, and a deep-rooted
connection to wildlife.

One of her most unforgettable experiences was a
three-month hitchhiking trip along Africa’s east coast
in the early ’90s, where she found herself face-to-face
with wild giraffes, lions and elephants. It was a powerful
moment that left a lasting mark and likely sparked the
passion she now brings to her role as assistant manager
at Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas.
Originally from a small town in Victoria, where she grew
up on a farm, Sybella left at 19 in search of something
more. Her first stop was Ayers Rock, where she worked
in tourism for two years and formed lasting friendships.
Years of travel across Australia and overseas followed
and eventually she reached a turning point, unsure
whether to return to the outback or try something new.
Encouraged by friends who had settled in Port Douglas,
she arrived with plans to stay just one year and save for
more travel.
But one year turned into a lifetime. It wasn’t just the
scenery that won her over, it was the people. Sybella
quickly found a strong sense of community and fulfilling
work, becoming well known through her roles in events
with Salsa Bar & Grill, Managing Australian Destinations
(MAD), and Port Douglas Carnivale, laying the perfect
foundation for her current role at Wildlife Habitat.
Now, she plays a key role in creating memorable “Living in Douglas has only deepened her love for the
experiences for visitors while managing the daily natural world. With the Daintree Rainforest and Great
operations at Wildlife Habitat. As her role grew, so Barrier Reef, two World Heritage sites, right on her
did her passion for conservation. In 2018, with a clear
understanding of the challenges facing native wildlife, doorstep, she feels incredibly lucky to be surrounded by
she helped launch the park’s charity, focused on such beauty every day.”
rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
Sybella explains that Australia is home to iconic yet
increasingly endangered species such as koalas,
cassowaries, and mahogany gliders, with some only Looking ahead, Sybella is excited about new projects, including
found in Queensland. The biggest threats include a planned medical facility where the public can bring injured
car strikes, pet attacks, and extreme weather events. animals for care. She’s also helping lead efforts to set up a sea
The need for action is urgent, and she and the team turtle rehabilitation centre in Port Douglas, filling a much-needed
at Wildlife Habitat are committed to being part of the gap between Cairns and Cape York. Both projects will also serve
solution. as educational spaces, helping people understand how they can
Sybella believes the key to lasting change lays get involved.
in helping people connect with nature. Whether When asked to pick a favourite animal at the wildlife park, she
through immersive tours, educational programs, or laughs: “it’s hard to choose”. Froot Loop the rainbow lorikeet, Billy
conservation projects, her goal is to spark a sense of the brolga, and Airlie the cassowary are all close to her heart. Airlie,
wonder and responsibility. To Sybella, conservation especially, shares a special bond with her. When she stops by for
isn’t just about saving animals, it’s about protecting a “chat” with the animals, he sometimes responds with a deep,
ecosystems for future generations. As she puts it, when booming call, a rare sound few people ever hear. It’s quiet moments
the environment suffers, we all do. like this that mean the most to her.
A key part of that work is the Tropical Animal Working closely with animals, Sybella says, you start to see their
Rehabilitation Centre (TARC), which treats and individual personalities and ways of communicating. It’s incredible
rehabilitates injured wildlife for release. The team also to think how much we still don’t know about the wildlife around us,
runs breeding programs for endangered species such and how often we take it all for granted.
as koalas, mahogany gliders, and northern bettongs, Living in Douglas has only deepened her love for the natural world.
always working in line with the animals’ natural With the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, two World
behaviour. Heritage sites, right on her doorstep, she feels incredibly lucky
to be surrounded by such beauty every day. The landscapes, the
community, and the wildlife are all constant reminders of how
special this place is, and why it’s worth protecting.