Odonata Foundation

What Odonata Foundation does

Odonata Foundation is a registered Australian conservation charity (ABN 95 620 085 583, ACNC registered with Deductible Gift Recipient status) founded in 2004 to reverse Australia's trajectory as the world leader in mammal extinctions. The organisation operates a network of eight predator-free safe havens — anchored by the 473-hectare Mt Rothwell Sanctuary in Little River, Victoria, and extending into ACT, NSW, and Western Australia — and applies a proprietary 500-in-5 Species Recovery Model that targets the recovery of nine threatened species (including eastern barred bandicoot, southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby, eastern quoll, long-nosed potoroo, and eastern bettong) to a minimum of 500 individuals across at least five metapopulation sites for genetic and climate resilience. In 2021, Odonata's network contributed to the historic downlisting of the eastern barred bandicoot from 'extinct in the wild' to 'endangered' — the first time a land-based mammal has been downlisted in Australian history — with approximately 80% of the remaining mainland population (~2,000+ individuals) now under its care.

Odonata's operational stack combines safe haven design (two-metre electrified fencing for feral-predator exclusion), genetic rescue breeding, ecological monitoring (camera traps, eDNA, quadrats, photopoints), and translocation logistics. Revenue-generating products include the Odonata Academy "Saving Species" course for landholders (AU$1,950 per participant, subsidised from AU$4,250, capped at 20 participants per intake), Odonata Advisory fee-for-service consulting (threatened species recovery, safe haven establishment, natural capital and biodiversity offset design), public and private spotlight tours and wallaby walks at Mt Rothwell (AU$33–AU$99 per person), school and university education programs (AU$27.50–AU$93.50 per student), venue hire at the Mt Rothwell Interpretation Centre and the Wildbark visitor centre near Canberra, and an e-commerce merchandise store (apparel, tea towels, greeting cards, books, and donation gift cards). Retail partnerships with Will & Bear (since 2021) and Soft Power Studio extend distribution.

Revenue is sourced from a diversified mix of tax-deductible donations, foundation and corporate grants (Amazon Australia AU$2.5 million via the Right Now Climate Fund in 2025; The Ian Potter Foundation and The ERDI Foundation for Academy subsidies), tour and merchandise sales, education and Academy fees, and Advisory fees — all profits being reinvested into species recovery. The organisation runs with approximately 27 employees (18 named staff across board, executive, and operational roles) supported by a community of roughly 30 volunteers per week contributing over 10,000 hours in 2024. Marketing and demand generation rely on earned media coverage (BBC, ABC, Australian Geographic, The Australian), The Dirt blog and Mailchimp newsletter, organic social (LinkedIn, Facebook, Vimeo), merchandise collaborations, and event-driven engagement through tours, education programs, and corporate volunteer days.

Name

Odonata Foundation

Legal name

Odonata Foundation

Website

https://odonata.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Odonata Foundation is an Australian nonprofit conservation charity operating a network of eight predator-free safe havens across VIC, ACT, NSW, and WA to recover threatened species using its proprietary 500-in-5 metapopulation model, serving donors, schools, landholders, corporate teams, and government partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC), Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH)

Keywords

• Threatened species recovery
• Conservation safe havens
• Wildlife education programs
• Ecological advisory services
• Conservation merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

Little River

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: The primary revenue stream. Odonata is a registered charity (ABN 95 620 085 583) with Deductible Gift Recipient status. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia. Revenue also includes grants from foundations such as The Ian Potter Foundation and The ERDI Foundation which subsidise the Academy course.
2. Merchandise Sales: An online store sells branded merchandise including tea towels ($25-$40), t-shirts ($40-$65), caps ($50), greeting cards ($7), books ($25), and donation gift cards ($50-$150). All profits support species recovery programs.
3. Tours and Experiences: Public and private spotlight tours, birdwatching tours, wallaby walks, and combined experiences at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary, priced at $33-$99 per person. Also includes education programs for schools and universities (per-student pricing from $27.50-$93.50).
4. Odonata Academy Course: The 'Saving Species: For Landholders and Farmers' course, delivered over 4 months (online + in-person retreat), is priced at AU$1,950 per participant (subsidised from $4,250 with foundation support). Capped at 20 participants per intake. Revenue funds conservation delivery.
5. Odonata Advisory (Fee-for-Service): Professional consulting services covering threatened species recovery, safe haven establishment, commercial biodiversity advice, natural capital and offset project design, and biodiverse urbanism. Operates as a social enterprise; all profits are reinvested into Odonata's mission.
6. Venue Hire: The Interpretation Centre at Mt Rothwell and Wildbark venue near Canberra are available for hire for events, workshops, conferences, and corporate functions. Includes catering facilities and optional spotlight tours.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Odonata Foundation is an Australian conservation charity that operates a network of predator-free safe havens to recover threatened native species, supported by guided wildlife tours, a landholder training academy, school and university field ecology programs, fee-for-service biodiversity advisory, venue hire, and a branded merchandise store funded by tax-deductible donations. The organization's core activity is species recovery — breeding, translocating, and managing metapopulations of eastern barred bandicoots, southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies, eastern quolls, bettongs, potoroos and other threatened fauna across sanctuary sites in Victoria, ACT, NSW and Western Australia.

Product overview

Odonata Foundation operates as a conservation organization offering a diversified portfolio of products and services centered on threatened species recovery in Australia. The core offering includes the Saving Species Course (a 4-month subsidized education program with 8 modules and retreats), public and private guided tours at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary (spotlight tours, birdwatching, wallaby walks), and education programs for schools and universities. Additional services encompass Odonata Advisory (professional consulting for safe havens and biodiversity projects), event space hire at the Interpretation Centre, and Wildbark venue operations near Canberra. The organization generates revenue through merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, caps), home goods (tea towels), greeting cards, books, and gift cards, as well as through collaborations with Will & Bear and Soft Power Studio. Donations and gift cards provide tax-deductible giving options supporting the species recovery mission.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wildbark: Visitor centre located at the edge of Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary near Canberra, offering conferencing, events, cafe, and twilight tours. A national centre for saving species.
• Odonata Academy
• Odonata Advisory

Products and services

• Saving Species Course (Odonata Academy) A subsidised 4-month conservation education program for landholders and farmers, delivered through 8 online modules, live webinars, and two retreats at Mt Rothwell Safe Haven. Participants develop a personalised Species Recovery Action Plan tailored to their property. The full course cost is AU$4,250, subsidised to AU$1,950 per participant with foundation support.
• Creatures of the Night — Public Spotlight Tour Public nocturnal wildlife viewing experience at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary, offering encounters with endangered species including eastern barred bandicoots, southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies, rufous bettongs, eastern bettongs, and eastern quolls. AU$66 adults, AU$44 children (under 17), children under 5 free; family ticket (2A3C) AU$198.
• Private Spotlight Tour Personalised nocturnal guided tour exclusively for groups, featuring tailored wildlife encounters at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary. AU$71.50 adults, AU$49.50 children (under 17), children under 5 free; minimum fee AU$350 for groups under 7 adults; maximum 25 people.
• Into the Woodlands — Public Birdwatching Tour Public daytime birdwatching experience at Mt Rothwell, showcasing approximately 130 recorded bird species including wedge-tailed eagles, rainbow bee-eaters, and endangered woodland birds. AU$66 including GST; for ages 12 and over; maximum 12 per group.
• Private Wallaby Walk Guided daytime walk through Mt Rothwell woodlands and granite outcrops focused on observing critically endangered southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies in their natural habitat. AU$55 adults, AU$33 children (under 17), children under 5 free; minimum rate AU$495; maximum 25 people.
• Combined Birdwatching + Spotlight Tour Full-day experience combining late afternoon birdwatching with nocturnal spotlighting, spanning approximately 5 hours (including dinner break) across Mt Rothwell's diverse habitats. AU$99 including GST; participants must be 12+.
• Diversity in the Biosphere — VCE/University Education Program VCE and university-level field ecology program at Mt Rothwell, featuring practical fieldwork including wildlife trapping, ethical protocols, and data collection contributing to conservation science. AU$71.50 per student incl GST; minimum cost AU$550 (8 students); 4 hours; max 50 students.
• Wallaby Walk X Signs of Life — Primary School Program Guided nature experience for Years 3-6 students exploring granite outcrops and woodland habitats, learning to identify animal tracks, scats, diggings, and other wildlife evidence. AU$33 per student incl GST; minimum cost AU$495 (15 students); BBQ/Kitchen included; max 75 students.
• Survey Techniques — Senior School Program Hands-on field program teaching scientific survey methods including quadrats, photopoints, camera traps, and eDNA for investigating environmental changes over time. AU$55 per student incl GST; minimum cost AU$550 (10 students).
• Signs of Life — School Education Program Field exploration program teaching students to identify tracks, scats, diggings, and other animal evidence in woodlands and grasslands.
• Guided Night Walk — School Education Program Nocturnal guided walk for students to observe nocturnal wildlife including bettongs, potoroos, bandicoots, wallabies, quolls, and barn owls.
• Odonata Advisory Services Professional fee-for-service consulting enterprise offering threatened species recovery strategy, safe haven establishment, biodiversity urban design, natural capital enhancement, and nature-positive offset project design. All profits are reinvested into Odonata's species recovery mission.
• Mt Rothwell Interpretation Centre Venue Hire Event space rental at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary's Interpretation Centre, featuring smart TV, kitchen facilities, outdoor area with fire pit, and optional guided spotlight tours. Available for meetings, workshops, conferences, and corporate functions.
• Corporate and Community Volunteer Experiences Team-building experiences combining volunteer fieldwork tasks (rabbit control, fence maintenance, habitat restoration), expert-guided tours, and access to the Interpretation Centre facilities for corporate groups. Custom packages available.
• Wildbark Visitor Centre, Venue and Experiences Event and conferencing venue at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary near Canberra, offering conscious conferencing spaces for 10–300 people, a cafe open 7 days a week, twilight tours, conservation education programs, and Connection to Country experiences delivered with the Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation.
• Conservation Merchandise Store Online store selling branded merchandise including 100% cotton tea towels (Wild Plum and Moss), AS Colour apparel (caps, men's and women's tees, kids staple tees), 100% recycled greeting cards with wildlife illustrations, the children's book 'The Adventures of Calli the Quoll', and donation gift cards. All profits support species recovery programs.
• Tax-Deductible Donation Program Tax-deductible donation platform supporting species recovery, habitat restoration, and conservation efforts across Odonata's safe haven network. Flexible one-time and monthly giving options, with donations of AU$2+ tax-deductible in Australia.
• Percy Eucalyptus Hat (Will & Bear Collaboration) Limited edition 100% Australian Wool hat created in collaboration with Will & Bear (Australia's first B-Corp certified hat company), supporting eastern barred bandicoot recovery. A portion of profits from each sale is donated to Odonata's bandicoot breeding program.
• Odonata x Soft Power Studio Merchandise Collection Illustrated merchandise collection created with Soft Power Studio (an all-female creative studio), featuring circular ecosystem artwork (by Lisa Diebold) depicting threatened species in a moonlight setting. The collection includes t-shirts and tea towels, with all profits supporting Odonata's species recovery efforts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Eastern barred bandicoot grown from 24 individuals (2004) to over 6,000 at Odonata sanctuaries, achieving downlisting from 'extinct in the wild' to 'endangered' in 2021 — the first land-based mammal in Australian history to be downlisted.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Will & BearcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Will & Bear (Loz and Alex) have collaborated with Odonata since 2021. They created the 'Percy Eucalyptus' hat, made from 100% Australian wool, with a portion of profits donated directly to Odonata's eastern barred bandicoot breeding program. Will & Bear is Australia's first B-Corp certified hat company. The collaboration directly supports the bandicoot recovery program and has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds.
• Soft Power StudiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerAll-female owned and run creative studio Soft Power Studio collaborated with Odonata to create illustrated merchandise (t-shirts, tea towels) depicting the circular ecosystem of Mt Rothwell Sanctuary. The artwork, created by Lisa Diebold, features threatened species in a moonlight setting. All profits support Odonata's species recovery efforts. The collaboration originated from a sketch by Ranger Sam and represents a creative marketing and fundraising partnership.
• Woodlands and Wetlands TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildbark is delivered by Odonata and Woodlands and Wetlands Trust in partnership with the ACT Government, Australian National University, and Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation. The partnership operates Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary — Australia's largest single Box-gum Grassy-woodland area managed for conservation — and supports reintroduction of eastern bettongs, eastern quolls, and bush stone-curlews.
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (ACT Government)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOdonata partners with Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the ACT Government to establish insurance populations of southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies. In August 2025, six wallabies were airlifted from Mt Rothwell to Tidbinbilla. The ACT Government also provided genetically bespoke wallabies bred as part of a genetic rescue program, to be translocated to Odonata's Barbaloot partner site.
• Phillip Island Nature ParksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn partnership with Phillip Island Nature Parks, Odonata supported the reintroduction of the bush stone-curlew to Phillip Island (Milawul) in August 2024. The species had been absent from Victorian landscapes for over 50 years. First groups were released in August 2024.
• Barbaloot Conservation ReservecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarbaloot Conservation Reserve spans 400 hectares in the Strathbogie Region of Victoria. It operates as a safe haven for native wildlife, supporting species recovery through habitat protection and feral predator exclusion. Receives wallaby translocations from Odonata's network.
• Banyula Conservation ReserveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanyula Conservation Reserve is a 466-hectare safe haven in the Clarence Valley of northern NSW, dedicated to protecting biodiversity and endangered species in a predator-free landscape.
• Tiverton Farm Safe HavencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTiverton Farm is Victoria's largest predator-free safe haven, combining sustainable agriculture with species conservation. It is home to approximately 4,000 eastern barred bandicoots (as of end of 2024) and eastern quolls. Acts as a world-class example of farming and conservation coexisting.
• Orana Park Safe HavenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrana Park Safe Haven is a link between Mt Kooyong and the Loddon River, supporting movement and recovery of native and threatened species in a protected, feral-free environment.
• ETNTAC (Wudjari Indigenous Protected Area)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn partnership with ETNTAC, Odonata is supporting the co-design of the Wudjari Indigenous Protected Area Management Plan in Western Australia, protecting cultural corridors, strengthening Country, and supporting a ranger program delivering Healthy Country outcomes.
• Cesar AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCesar Australia collaborates with Odonata on genetic research and recovery strategy improvement for southern brown bandicoots and other threatened species. Dr. Andrew Weeks (Science Advisor & Director, Cesar Australia) is part of Odonata's extended team.
• Southern Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby Recovery TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOdonata is a member of the Southern Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby Recovery Team, whose plan includes the establishment of at least two geographically separated safe havens. The Recovery Team coordinates conservation efforts across Odonata, Wildlife Unlimited, Parks Victoria, DEECA, Traditional Owners, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
• Wildlife UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife Unlimited field ecologists led long-term recovery efforts for rock wallaby colonies, including expert herding of wallabies and people during translocations. Willow Bourke and team have been central to rock wallaby recovery over the past decade.
• Australian National University (ANU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerANU is a partner in the Wildbark initiative alongside Odonata, Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, ACT Government, and Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, contributing research and academic expertise to conservation programs.
• Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEECA conservation leads collaborated on the translocation of southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies from Mt Rothwell to Little River Gorge. DEECA is a key government partner in Odonata's recovery programs in Victoria.
• Parks VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParks Victoria rangers participated in the translocation mission carrying rock-wallabies into Little River Gorge in Victoria's Snowy River National Park, providing operational support for the recovery program.
• Traditional Owner Groups (Gunaikurnai, Moogji Aboriginal Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraditional Owner groups including Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and Moogji Aboriginal Council participated in rock-wallaby translocation missions, integrating Indigenous knowledge and cultural leadership into species recovery efforts.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wildlife Conservation Network: Conservation nonprofit that incubates and supports wildlife conservation projects globally, with a focus on species protection, community-based conservation, and donor-supported program funding — comparable species-recovery orientation and partnership-led model.
• Fauna & Flora International: International conservation nonprofit focused on threatened species recovery, habitat protection, and capacity building. Comparable mission of preventing extinctions and restoring populations, with similar reliance on donor funding and conservation partnerships.
• Taronga Conservation Society Australia: Operates Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with extensive conservation breeding programs for threatened Australian species, education programs, and visitor experiences. Comparable in species recovery, public engagement, and educational tourism offerings.
• Zoos Victoria: State-owned zoo operator running Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary, with significant conservation breeding programs for threatened species including the eastern barred bandicoot recovery program that overlaps with Odonata's work.
• Bush Heritage Australia: National conservation nonprofit that acquires and manages properties for biodiversity across Australia, with a comparable reserve network, donor-supported funding model, and focus on threatened species and ecosystems.
• Australian Wildlife Conservancy: Australia's largest private owner and manager of land for conservation, operating a network of sanctuaries across the country for threatened species recovery. Directly comparable to Odonata in mission, sanctuary-network model, and reliance on donations and partnerships to fund conservation delivery.

Broad incumbents

• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Major zoo and conservation operator running the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park with globally significant species recovery programs. Comparable in combining zoo-based public engagement, breeding programs for endangered species, and large-scale conservation science investment.
• The Nature Conservancy (Australia): Global conservation organization with Australian operations focused on landscape conservation, marine protection, and natural capital projects. Comparable conservation mission, large donor base, and engagement with corporate biodiversity clients.
• WWF-Australia: Large established conservation nonprofit operating across Australia with a broad species, habitat, and climate portfolio. Comparable donor-driven funding model and conservation delivery, but at much larger scale and with broader thematic scope than Odonata's species-recovery focus.

Others

• Cesar Australia: Australian research and consulting organization specializing in conservation genetics, pest ecology, and threatened species recovery. Direct partner of Odonata (Dr Andrew Weeks serves as Science Advisor) and comparable in scientific approach to species conservation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/user117066292
• Facebookfacebook.com/OdonataOrgAu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/odonatafoundation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Odonata Foundation