She’s an Australian sea lion guru, with what she calls the most effective job on the earth – let’s meet her.
For Mel Stonnill, Seal Bay Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island is greater than one of many world’s premier eco-tourism locations.
It’s additionally the place the place the park’s analysis and operations coordinator feels most at dwelling.
“Seal Bay is dwelling to the third largest colony of Australian sea lions on the earth. They’re actually wild and we’re standing of their bed room,” she says.
“It’s truly extra like a seaside sanctuary.
“The Australian sea lion inhabitants is in decline and Seal Bay is the one ongoing analysis facility for the species, which makes my job all of the extra particular.”
In truth, a key a part of Mel’s position is to keep up and regularly develop the of the seal colony at Seal Bay, which is delivered by the South Australian Analysis and Growth Institute (SARDI) and the Division for Surroundings and Water (DEW). The character conservation program has supplied knowledge on microchipped and scanned animals for over 20 years.
Mel ventures into the colony frequently throughout breeding season to scan the microchips of assorted animals and acquire the very important knowledge studied by SARDI.
“I actually do really feel like I’ve the most effective job on the earth,” says Mel.
“It sounds ridiculous however I all the time speak to them! They’ve all obtained totally different personalities – a few of them are extra aggressive and a few are actually playful.
“However you all the time know when it’s important to depart shortly!”
Guests can study concerning the conservation efforts of this endangered species on a at Seal Bay.
And there’s no higher time to go to than now.
For Mel, winter is wonderful on – filled with breathtaking surroundings alongside coastal landscapes and unimaginable Australian wildlife encounters.
“You’ve obtained to be comfortable with getting the wind in your face and exploring to actually respect this island,” she says
“Get soiled, change your cellphone off and go down west the place you may’t test your emails and really simply expertise the second.
“You’ll be able to simply reconnect with what is definitely vital to you in life.”
A go to to Seal Bay is a novel alternative to see sea lions and their pups up shut. You’ll be able to take a stroll alongside the boardwalk with a , or for one thing further particular e-book in for a
With this selection, skilled guides take you into the core of the colony, sharing tales about how these creatures spend their days looking, browsing and resting. You’ll additionally study concerning the species’ endangered standing and the conservation efforts underway to guard them.
Plan your go to now!
Video courtesy of Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance.
Header picture courtesy of Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance and Fuller Model Communication.
Photographer: Christopher Morrison
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This submit was on surroundings.sa.gov.au below a .
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