Tasmanian wildlife sanctuary set for international streaming spotlight

Tasmania's Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is preparing for its close-up, with the beloved Hobart-area facility set to become the centrepiece of a new documentary series launching on Paramount+ later this year.

The eight-part series, titled The Animal Sanctuary, will document the daily operations of one of Australia's most visited wildlife rehabilitation centres, offering global audiences an intimate look at the sanctuary's rescue and rehabilitation efforts across the island state.

From childhood dream to streaming phenomenon

Director Greg Irons, who has overseen Bonorong's operations, will feature prominently in the series alongside his partner Mel and the sanctuary's dedicated staff and volunteer network. According to reports in ABC News, Irons harboured ambitions to own the facility since childhood, making his journey to its leadership a compelling narrative thread for the production.

The sanctuary, situated near Tasmania's capital, manages over 20,000 animal rescues annually—a staggering volume that underscores the critical role the facility plays in wildlife conservation across the state.

Local talent and skills development

Beyond its cultural significance, the production represents a meaningful opportunity for Tasmania's creative sector. University of Tasmania students have secured placements on the filming project, providing invaluable experience in documentary production and bolstering the state's emerging filmmaking capabilities.

The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination in Tasmania and coordinates over 20,000 animal rescues every year.

This skills development component reflects growing recognition that major streaming productions can extend benefits beyond entertainment value, nurturing local creative industries and workforce capacity.

National significance and tourism implications

The series arrives at a time when Australian wildlife welfare has gained heightened public attention nationally. Bonorong's work rehabilitating native species—many endemic to Tasmania—provides a window into conservation challenges specific to Australia's most southerly state.

The production is currently in post-production, with Paramount+ expected to release the series before year's end. The streaming platform's investment in an Australian documentary production signals continued interest in locally-sourced content that appeals to both domestic and international audiences.

For Tasmania's tourism sector, the exposure presents substantial opportunity. Bonorong already attracts significant visitor numbers as a tourist destination; international distribution on a major streaming platform could substantially increase awareness and visitation from overseas audiences.

What comes next

As post-production continues on the eight episodes, production teams are finalising footage capturing the sanctuary's wildlife rescue operations, rehabilitation programmes, and the personal stories of those committed to animal welfare across Tasmania.

The series is expected to premiere on Paramount+ in the latter months of 2026.