Podcasthon 2026 Special Episode
Wildlife conservation in Australia is critical to protecting unique biodiversity, preventing extinction, and maintaining ecological resilience against climate change.
With over 2,000 threatened species, conserving native flora and fauna sustains essential ecosystem services, including clean air, water purification, and pollination. It is also vital for managing threats like invasive species and habitat loss.
This episode is part of Podcasthon.org 2026, a global movement uniting more than 2000 podcasters around the world, to spotlight charities and inspire listeners to support causes making a meaningful difference.
With more than 15 years’ experience in conservation and environmental management, my guest Shakira Todd, is the Founder of Wildlife Surrounds and President of the Wildlife Surrounds Conservation Fund.
Shakira has worked across Australia as a Zoologist, Environmental Scientist, Park Ranger and Conservation Project Manager.
Her organisation, Wildlife Surrounds, is based on a 40-acre property adjoining Bowling Green Bay National Park in North Queensland, where eucalypt woodland provides habitat for a diverse range of native flora and fauna species including: northern quolls, wallabies, orchids, cycads and red-tailed black cockatoos.
Through education programs, research collaborations, and practical conservation projects, Wildlife Surrounds is working to create a more resilient ecosystem while helping communities understand how humans and wildlife can co-exist.
A major focus of Shakira’s work is raising awareness about dingoes, Australia’s indigenous apex predator, and their critical role in maintaining ecological balance.
The Wildlife Surrounds Conservation Fund supports:
• Wildlife conservation projects
• Environmental education programs
• Research partnerships with universities
• Community engagement initiatives
• Wildlife care and habitat protection
The organisation also provides opportunities for volunteers, students and community members to participate in field days, workshops and conservation activities.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and recognise the Traditional Owners of the lands where our volunteers, staff and community partners live, learn and work.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, honouring their deep cultural, spiritual and ecological knowledge of Country.
Support Wildlife Surrounds
If you’d like to contribute to Shakira’s work:
Volunteer and make a once-off or recurring donation to support wildlife conservation, education and research programs.
Your contribution helps fund wildlife care, enclosure maintenance, conservation initiatives and future education projects. Follow across their socials on FB, Insta, and LinkedIn.
Learn more or donate:
www.wildlifesurrounds.com.au
Connect with me
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Together, we can be the change we want to see in the world, one story at a time.
