The furry and feathered residents of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary are set for global fame, with their rescue and rehabilitation the subject of a new eight-part television series that will air on Network 10.
Minister for Arts and Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Roger Jaensch, said The Animal Sanctuary follows the rescue and rehabilitation of the animals, before tracking their journey back in the wild.
"Bonorong conducts an incredible 20,000 rescues per year, and this series recognises the heroic efforts and stories of our wildlife carers and volunteer rescuers all around the State," Minister Jaensch said.
"By sharing Tasmania's unique wildlife stories with audiences across Australia and overseas, The Animal Sanctuary has the potential to inspire more visitors to come to Tasmania and experience our natural environment firsthand.
"This production has supported local jobs and training opportunities, strengthened Tasmania's screen industry capability and highlighted the incredible experiences that make our State a world-class nature-based tourism destination.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is backing high-quality screen productions that create jobs, develop local skills and showcase Tasmania to new audiences."
Created by Tasmanian documentarian Fraser Johnston of Spectral Media, The Animal Sanctuary recently wrapped filming after a three-month shoot and is slated to air on Network 10 later in the year.
The Tasmanian Government has supported The Animal Sanctuary with a $400,000 investment for production, building on $20,000 in development funding provided in 2023.
Tourism Tasmania has also invested a further $100,000 in the project.
The Animal Sanctuary is produced by Spectral Media, Walking Fish Productions, Orange Entertainment Co, Campfire Studios and Copper Pot Pictures.
The series was developed with the assistance of Screen Australia and Screen Tasmania and is produced with the assistance of Screen Tasmania in association with VicScreen.
Financing is also provided by Rainmaker Content who hold the international distribution rights.
The series has supported Australian post-production company The Post Lounge to establish operations in Hobart within the University of Tasmania's Centre for the Arts, creating 10 training opportunities across production and post-production, including one through the 2026 Tasmanian Regional Crew Pathways Program.
