








Lonely Fans: Sponsor Dirawong
Meet Dirawong the Lace Monitor
Status: Wise, watchful, and wonderfully misunderstood.
Likes: Sun-soaked rocks, quiet strength, ancestral stories.
Dislikes: Misrepresentation, habitat loss, and people thinking he’s “just a lizard.”
About me: I’m Dirawong, a proud lace monitor with deep roots in the Bundjalung Nation. In local Indigenous culture, I’m more than just a reptile—I’m a protector, a teacher, and a creator spirit. My name comes from the ancestral being who, in Bundjalung lore, guided and defended people from threats, taught the knowledge of plants, and shaped parts of the land.
Around here, I still carry that quiet strength. I move slow, think fast, and I don’t need the spotlight—but I do need a fan or two.
I was rescued after being displaced from my natural environment, and now I live safely at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Your sponsorship helps make sure I continue to receive the care and respect I deserve—and that my story continues to be told with truth and heart.
For just $10/month, you can become one of my Lonely Fans and support:
My habitat care and enrichment
Nutritional needs (yes, I eat eggs and the occasional snail—don’t judge)
Educational programs that honour and share my cultural significance
In return, I’ll send you:
A fan certificate that connects you to my journey
Monthly updates and beautiful images
The knowledge that you’re supporting an animal—and a spirit—with powerful roots
I may not post selfies, but I carry stories older than the internet. Let’s keep them alive—together.
Meet Dirawong the Lace Monitor
Status: Wise, watchful, and wonderfully misunderstood.
Likes: Sun-soaked rocks, quiet strength, ancestral stories.
Dislikes: Misrepresentation, habitat loss, and people thinking he’s “just a lizard.”
About me: I’m Dirawong, a proud lace monitor with deep roots in the Bundjalung Nation. In local Indigenous culture, I’m more than just a reptile—I’m a protector, a teacher, and a creator spirit. My name comes from the ancestral being who, in Bundjalung lore, guided and defended people from threats, taught the knowledge of plants, and shaped parts of the land.
Around here, I still carry that quiet strength. I move slow, think fast, and I don’t need the spotlight—but I do need a fan or two.
I was rescued after being displaced from my natural environment, and now I live safely at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Your sponsorship helps make sure I continue to receive the care and respect I deserve—and that my story continues to be told with truth and heart.
For just $10/month, you can become one of my Lonely Fans and support:
My habitat care and enrichment
Nutritional needs (yes, I eat eggs and the occasional snail—don’t judge)
Educational programs that honour and share my cultural significance
In return, I’ll send you:
A fan certificate that connects you to my journey
Monthly updates and beautiful images
The knowledge that you’re supporting an animal—and a spirit—with powerful roots
I may not post selfies, but I carry stories older than the internet. Let’s keep them alive—together.
Meet Dirawong the Lace Monitor
Status: Wise, watchful, and wonderfully misunderstood.
Likes: Sun-soaked rocks, quiet strength, ancestral stories.
Dislikes: Misrepresentation, habitat loss, and people thinking he’s “just a lizard.”
About me: I’m Dirawong, a proud lace monitor with deep roots in the Bundjalung Nation. In local Indigenous culture, I’m more than just a reptile—I’m a protector, a teacher, and a creator spirit. My name comes from the ancestral being who, in Bundjalung lore, guided and defended people from threats, taught the knowledge of plants, and shaped parts of the land.
Around here, I still carry that quiet strength. I move slow, think fast, and I don’t need the spotlight—but I do need a fan or two.
I was rescued after being displaced from my natural environment, and now I live safely at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Your sponsorship helps make sure I continue to receive the care and respect I deserve—and that my story continues to be told with truth and heart.
For just $10/month, you can become one of my Lonely Fans and support:
My habitat care and enrichment
Nutritional needs (yes, I eat eggs and the occasional snail—don’t judge)
Educational programs that honour and share my cultural significance
In return, I’ll send you:
A fan certificate that connects you to my journey
Monthly updates and beautiful images
The knowledge that you’re supporting an animal—and a spirit—with powerful roots
I may not post selfies, but I carry stories older than the internet. Let’s keep them alive—together.
Lonely Fans: Sponsor a Wild Soul
At Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, we care for animals who’ve been displaced, injured, or orphaned due to habitat destruction, extreme weather, or human activity. These incredible animals are no longer just wildlife – they’re wild souls in need of support.
Through Lonely Fans, we’re inviting animal lovers (yes, you!) to connect with our residents in a new way: as fans.
Each animal has their own Lonely Fan profile, a personality-filled bio, and a real story. From Arni the koala to Pepita the parrot, your sponsorship makes a real difference in their daily lives – from food to vet care to long-term sanctuary upgrades.
Why This Matters:
Koalas like Arni are now endangered in many parts of Australia.
Rising costs of care, rehabilitation, and habitat restoration are stretching wildlife centres thin.
Your recurring donation helps us provide consistent care and long-term planning.
This isn’t charity fluff. This is real, tangible help – dressed up with a bit of humor and heart to reach more people who can make a difference.
💛 Ways You Can Help:
Sponsor an animal for as little as $10/month
Share your Lonely Fan’s story on socials to help raise awareness
Gift a sponsorship to a friend who loves animals.
Become a Lonely Fan today. Because no one should be this wild and alone.