This is Khan our lovable dingo an ambassador for his kind.
Working as a wildlife demonstrator I have worked closely with a number of Dingos over the years. It was six years ago when I took home a little male Dingo cub and named him Khan.
Since then Khan and me have been visiting Kinders and Schools round Melbourne, trying to provoke young minds to appreciate and admire the dingos historical and ecological importance. One thing I have found to be a testament to their significance, is the way some children despite Khan’s dog like appearance identify his unique wolf like qualities straight away and become fixated with the fact he is a Dingo.
I now share my home with two Dingos, Kahn and his little sister Cinder. Since living so closely with the Dingos and researching their history, I have found myself in complete admiration for the species. Their intelligent, independent and gentle nature is something to behold. Sure they are hard work to care for at times but funnily enough that’s one of the reasons I love them.
They have taught me true patience and help to keep me grounded. Watching their inquisitive personalities, not compromised by the influences of man, they are truly free spirited and wild at heart. I feel I have been privileged to be able to live along side these primitive and wildly instinctive creatures and have them count me as one of the pack.
I believe their importance to our country is unmeasurable, having been part of Australia’s evolution over thousands of years they are an essential ecological asset an evolutionary masterpiece. They are our ‘lion’, our apex predator and guardians of our lands.
The Dingo is an iconic native animal and their significance to our identity as Australians is profound. Stories of the Dingo are legend, with a rich history living along side Aboriginal people they are steeped in cultural and spiritual significance.
Dingos truly are an integral part of Australia and an essential part of the ecology of our country.
On a recent trip to Tasmania’s vast wilderness provoked my concerns for how we manage, value and protect Australia’s wildlife. In particular, the importance of top predators such as the Tasmanian tiger (Dingo) and their vital role within the unique ecology of the bush. Let’s hope we can learn from the mistakes of the past and begin to value and protect our apex predators.
It is inspiring to hear about some of the work being done to save the Tasmanian Devil and others, while some animals are valued and protected others of equal environmental importance such as the Dingo are being exterminated! I find this to be an indictment on our country. I hope the iconic Australian Dingo doesn’t suffer the same fate as the Tasmanian tiger and become one of Australia’s most famous extinct predators.
