Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Jaffa!

Jaffa is a most extraordinary kangaroo. My bond with her is unique to any animal I have (or will ever have) in care. The joy and heartbreaks we have shared with each other over the years has created an inseparable bond. Even now, long after she was softly released into the wild, she returns daily to check on me and the babies I have in care.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Ellie and Elsie

“Bound by Heart: The Love Story of Ellie and Elsie”

In the serene sanctuary of Promise and Hope of Amaris , there live two kangaroos named Ellie and Elsie. Their story is one of resilience, companionship, and the gentle care of those who gave them a home.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Jade

Jade’s Journey

Jade’s journey is etched in the flames of adversity, a testament to the indomitable spirit of our native wildlife. 🌟

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Jarew (JRoo)

“A Hoppy Journey of Strength and Friendship.

Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable young kangaroo who has captured our hearts here at Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet Jarew, affectionately known as JRoo—a resilient joey who is making remarkable strides in his journey of growth and healing.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Karli

“Karli’s journey to Recovery”

On August 15th, a tiny joey named Karli arrived at Amaris, weighing just 821 grams. Her story began tragically when her mother was killed in a hit and run accident in Munglinup, leaving Karli vulnerable on the side of the road.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Espy

“The Heartbreaking Journey of Little Espy”

In the quiet moments of his mother's pouch, Espy was just a tiny joey enjoying the warmth and safety as his Mumma searched for food and water.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Kobi

“Saving Kobi: A Story of Loss and Hope”

Why didn’t you stop? How could you leave a kangaroo with an obvious joey in her pouch on the road? It was on an overtaking lane, so it wouldn’t have been difficult to stop.

To all the subsequent drivers who drove around her, why didn’t you stop and help? A vulnerable joey in Mumma’s pouch has just lost everything that was dear to him.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet the Western Ringtail Possums

Caring for a ringtail possum is a journey filled with wonder, challenges, and countless moments of heartwarming joy. These nocturnal creatures are native to Australia and are known for their distinctive prehensile tails, which they use to grasp branches as they move through the treetops. When a ringtail possum comes into care, it's often due to unfortunate circumstances such as habitat loss, predation, or injury.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Rossie

“Rossie affectionately known as Mr. Rossie Boots”

Rossie, my beautiful baby boy, your gentle eyes and pure spirit always reminded me of your dear Mumma Rosie. Now, my heart is broken and shattered beyond words.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Kiera

“Kiera’s Last Whisper”

In the quiet hours of late Sunday afternoon, cradling Kiera’s lifeless body, I find myself grappling with tears and the raw emotions that come with caring for injured and orphaned joeys. Kiera, a mere 466 grams of vulnerability, had nestled into my heart and life—a sister for Katie and Kenny.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Our Neonate Joeys

“Remembering Our Littlest Ones: Neonate Joeys Who Touched Our Hearts”

In the quiet corners of Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, where eucalyptus leaves rustle in the breeze, there lies a tender ache—a whisper of loss that echoes through the gum trees.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Bandit

“Bandit’s Bounce Back: A Tail of Resilience and Love”

Bandit has overcome significant challenges, including two broken tails and a bone infection, which required extensive care and rehabilitation. Bandit's journey has been a testament to resilience and the dedication of Amaris. His story has touched many hearts and served as an inspiration to all who have followed his journey

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Peppe, Poppe & Peppa,

Caring for a ringtail possum is not just about providing for its physical needs; it's about nurturing a soul and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The experience leaves an indelible mark on your heart, a reminder of the power of love and the profound impact we can have on the lives of the creatures we share this world with.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Layla

“A Heartbreaking Farewell: The Story of Layla”

Layla's short but impactful time with me was a testament to resilience and love. Though her life was brief, the joy and connection she brought into my world will never be forgotten. Another precious soul, lost too soon, but forever cherished in my heart.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Charlie

When Charlie first arrived at my home, he was a timid and gentle soul. He had a way of looking at you with those big, expressive eyes that instantly melted your heart. Despite his initial shyness, Charlie quickly became the protector of the mob. His gentle nature made him the perfect companion for the younger joeys, and he took on the role of their protector with such grace and dedication.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Yasha

Yasha was just 295 gram when she came into care and I loved her dearly from the moment I held her in my hands.  I knew the chances of keeping her alive were slim, but I was determined to do whatever it took to give her a chance at life. 

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet MJ (Miracle Joey)

“My beautiful MJ needed a miracle”

Not all rescues have happy endings. MJ mended my heart, then shattered it into a million pieces when she lost her fight to live.

MJ was the inspiration behind Amaris, and God has blessed my work here abundantly

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Marnie

“A Pouch Full of Hope: Marnie’s Message to the World”

Marnie’s legacy continues to grow, her story a beacon of hope in the fight against cruelty, and a testament to the sanctuary’s unwavering commitment to wildlife care.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Cherish

“Cherished beyond measure”

Miss Cherish came into my life that day and what a journey it has been,  First thing we needed to teach her was life in a pouch, that was foreign to her.  She had also been over stimulated with human interaction and had no idea what it meant to go to sleep.  That was pretty tough for a joey who did not know how to be a joey.  It took time and lots of patience.

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Maggie van Santen Maggie van Santen

Meet Sammie Jo

“Sammie Jo - where it all began”

What decision have you made in your life that seemed small at the time but has had a major impact on your life? A seemingly small decision to bring home a joey named Sammie Jo has profoundly changed my life.

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