Sally Bryant
Sally Bryant will open the exhibition.
Who I am
After gaining a PhD in marsupial physiology I worked for 18 years as a wildlife scientist with the Tasmanian Government specialising in threatened fauna programs.
I have conducted research across Tasmania especially the southwest wilderness area and many of our remote islands including two trips to Macquarie Island. I have travelled widely across Australia and internationally reviewing endangered species programs including six months in New Zealand on an ANZEC Fellowship.
I have published extensively on Tasmanian wildlife especially birds and my wildlife talkback segment on ABC radio has been running continuously since 1999. I never tire of being asked 'what bird is that?
What I do
After resigning as Manager of the Threatened Species Section in September 2007 I took over the management of Bonorong Wildlife Park with creative designer Pru Cotton under the banner of Go Wild Tasmania. Together we are transforming the park into a conservation centre for Tasmanian wildlife.
The Go Wild project aims to improve rescue and rehabilitation services for native animals in Tasmania and showcase these conservation efforts to the world.
Why I am interested in this project
While the story of the Thylacine continues to tantalise and distract, barely a response is given about the growing number of lesser known species facing the same fate today.
What of the 50 remaining Shy Eyebright, a diminutive plant that clings to survival at Southport Lagoon, or the ancient stands of Miena Cider Gum collapsing across the Central Plateau. What of the Masked Owl or the Giant Peripatus that breed in the old growth hollows used for firewood. What fate awaits these - our living treasures.
But something stirs in the Tasmanian heart. It started a few years ago as a painful devil growl and is now rising to a roar of concern. It's beginning to shape our culture and identity as we discover more about who we are and how important is our island home.
This exhibition Endangered: Drawing the Line is about visionary people whose courage, strength and wisdom will help us learn to appreciate our wildlife - as if our very lives depend upon it.