Nikki and Mr Boo - where it all began...
Who would have thought that one Kangaroo could change everything.
In 2015 Nikki and Scott Medwell moved to a 60-acre bush property in Elphinstone, Victoria. From the first day, they were greeted by the resident kangaroo mob. “We need to learn about kangaroos,” Nikki remarked to her husband that day. And so the journey began. Soon after moving in, they found themselves caring for their very first orphaned joey named Mr Boo.
Mr Boo had been found standing next to his mother’s lifeless body. She had been shot and killed and little Boo who was less than 2kg at the time was left helpless and alone. Once Mr Boo came into Nikki and Scott’s full time care and they were able to experience first hand the incredible nature and intelligence of kangaroos, a commitment was made to do everything in their power to protect them. A commitment they live by every day at Red Box Wildlife Shelter.
With a property devoted entirely to native bushland and dedicated to wildlife, Red Box Wildlife Shelter focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, raising and releasing native animals in need. Their primary focus is the Eastern Grey Kangaroo however they do take in all wildlife and move them onto specialist carers if needed.
“It just made sense to focus on the Kangaroos as this is their home and we wanted to create a sanctuary for them here and a place to care for orphaned joeys where they could continue to integrate with their native environment.”
The concept of the Mr Boo Kangaroo Rangers Educational Program was an idea born from the love and appreciation Nikki and Scott have for Mr Boo and his mob of kangaroos.
“Children are innately compassionate and eager to learn. They marvel at the wonders of wildlife and this is a connection to nature that needs to be nurtured more I think. Children given the opportunity to learn about Kangaroos always come to a place of love and respect for these animals and develop the awareness of how vitial it is that we ensure kangaroos, and their habitats, are respected and preserved.”
By focusing on community education about kangaroos, Red Box Wildlife Shelter hopes that the Roo Rangers Programs can help future generations understand how vital it is that we show these precious native animals compassion and understanding so that the sixteen million year legacy that these magnificent animals have created can continue into the future.
Kangaroos come and go, no fences, living in harmony with us and nature….
Scott Medwell – All endeavors rely on the hard work, commitment and unrelenting support of ‘The Captain’. The person, often behind the scenes, working day and night to support the greater cause. Scott Medwell is that Captain. And Red Box Wildlife Shelter exists, because of the combined commitment and vision of Nikki and Scott, working together to create a sanctuary for kangaroos, and a world with greater respect and compassion for these incredible animals.
"Children are innately compassionate and eager to learn. They marvel at the wonders of wildlife and this is a connection to nature that needs to be nurtured more I think."
Nikki Medwell,
Founder, Mr Boo Roo Rangers
Mr Boo Program Goes Global… full ABC article here
Would you like to help our kangaroos?
Wildlife shelters like Red Box Wildlife Shelter do not receive any Government funding and rely solely on the generous donations of people like you. Every dollar counts and goes directly to caring for orphaned joeys and other kangaroos which require protection and care.