In the coastal town of Coffs Harbour, a remarkable story of sacrifice, love, and dedication unfolds. Tiga Cross and her husband Brian didn’t just dream of saving animals, they put everything on the line to do it.
Their journey from sanctuary employees to owners showcases the extraordinary lengths some will go to protect the creatures they love.
A Life Dedicated to Wildlife Conservation
Tiga’s passion for animals wasn’t something that developed overnight. As a child, she watched her mother volunteer with WIRES, Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization.
This early exposure sparked a lifelong commitment to animal welfare that would eventually lead to her biggest challenge.
“I always dreamed of working with animals,” Tiga recalls. “It was more than just a career goal—it was my calling.”
At just 14, Tiga met Brian at school, beginning both a romantic partnership and eventually, a powerful conservation team. By 15, she was already volunteering at the marine conservation park that would later become their life’s work.
From Employee to Manager: Rising Through the Ranks
After completing animal studies at TAFE, Tiga secured a full-time position at the park. Her dedication and expertise didn’t go unnoticed. She worked across every department, gaining comprehensive knowledge of the facility’s operations.
“I loved it so much I never left,” she says with a smile.
Eventually, Tiga rose to become the manager of life sciences, handling everything from animal rescues to night feeds and security. Her connection to the sanctuary ran so deep that in June 2022, she and Brian moved into on-site accommodation, renting out their own home.
A Unique Family Celebration
November 2022 brought a special milestone. At 22 weeks pregnant, Tiga’s colleagues threw her a gender reveal party, with a wild twist. The sanctuary’s dolphins, seals, and penguins participated in the celebration, selecting colored objects to guess the baby’s gender.
“It’s a girl!” her colleague announced, painting Brian’s hands and Tiga’s belly pink.
Surrounded by both human and animal family, it was the perfect celebration for the wildlife-loving couple.
New Life Amidst Nature’s Wonders
In March 2023, their daughter Akira was born, a perfect little girl with striking blue eyes and red hair. From her earliest days, Akira was immersed in sanctuary life, waking to peacock calls and accompanying her mother everywhere.
“She’d wake up to the sounds of peacocks near her nursery,” Tiga shares. “Nature’s alarm clock.”
Brian often remarked how wonderful it was to see their daughter developing the same love for animals that had defined Tiga’s life.
Little did they know, their family’s biggest test was just around the corner.
Facing Devastating News
Just three months after Akira’s birth, the unthinkable happened. After 50 years of operation, the sanctuary faced imminent closure. COVID-related debts and operational challenges had pushed the facility to the brink.
“The place was set to be sold,” Tiga explains. “Developers would likely build apartments, meaning all the animals would need to be rehomed, transferred, or potentially euthanized.”
The thought of losing the animals’ home devastated Tiga. “This can’t happen,” she cried to Brian, her mind racing for solutions.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
With limited savings but unlimited determination, Tiga proposed something radical: “Can we mortgage our house?”
Brian’s initial silence spoke volumes about the gravity of the suggestion. They would be risking everything, their financial security, their home, their future.
“Why don’t we?” he finally replied, showing the depth of his commitment not just to Tiga, but to the animals they both loved.
Using their home as collateral and combining it with their life savings, they secured a loan to purchase the sanctuary in November 2023.
They rebranded it as the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary and reopened as a charity.
Rebuilding and Renewal
The responsibility was enormous. Fifty staff members depended on them for their livelihoods. Countless animals relied on them for survival. And if they couldn’t make loan repayments, they stood to lose everything.
“The bills started piling up immediately,” Tiga admits. “It was overwhelming.”
But community support proved powerful. Through fundraising events, barbecues, market stalls, and business pledges, donations helped them continue their vital rescue work.
Brian transitioned to become a stay-at-home dad while managing the sanctuary’s finances and handling repairs. Between these duties, he assisted with animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Growing Up Wild
Now two years old, Akira thrives in this unique environment. Her milestone moments have been anything but ordinary, she even took her first steps following a sea lion named Athena.
“I was amazed a sea lion had taught our daughter to walk,” Tiga says with pride.
Today, Akira loves visiting the penguins first thing each morning. She helps staff with tasks and chatters enthusiastically with visitors about marine life.
She’s growing up with a natural connection to wildlife that most children never experience.
Worth Every Sacrifice
Despite long hours and constant challenges, Tiga and Brian have no regrets. The sanctuary continues to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals while educating visitors about conservation.
“The emotions in this work are like no other,” Tiga reflects. “The highs and lows are simply our daily reality.”
Seeing the joy on visitors’ faces and knowing they’ve preserved a safe haven for countless creatures confirms they made the right choice.
“If faced with the same situation,” Tiga declares, “I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”
Their story reminds us that sometimes, saving what we love requires risking everything—and that such courage can create miracles.
To help, visit coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au
Source: https://www.thatslife.com.au/real-life/wildlife-warrior-we-risked-everything-to-save-animals/
