Leave a Bequest

Become a Wildlife Guardian

After your loved ones, remembering Victoria’s precious wildlife in your Will is a wonderful legacy to leave.

Wildlife Victoria’s Wildlife Guardians are special people that have made a decision with extraordinary consequences for our states precious wildlife, for generations to come. These individuals have taken an important step ensuring their legacy will be one of kindness and vision, securing a future where Victoria’s wildlife will continue to be watched over through a bequest to Wildlife Victoria.

Your legacy will safeguard cherished creatures found nowhere else in the world, support the rescue and reintroduction of majestic fauna to our wilderness, cradle helpless orphans that can only thank you with their survival. A gift in your will to Wildlife Victoria is a gift to the often forgotten, the marginalised and the voiceless. Wealth is not a prerequisite of belonging to the Wildlife Guardians, all gifts are welcome of any size; instead Wildlife Guardians are distinguished because of their consideration and care for our wildlife.

Choosing your bequest

It’s important to seek the advice of a qualified solicitor or trustee when making your Will. The Law Institute or Society in your state or territory can refer you to a solicitor.

Here are some ways in which you can make a bequest to Wildlife Victoria:

• leave the residue of your estate after specific bequests have been left to family and friends
• leave a nominated portion or a fixed percentage of your estate. This guards against the

  effects of inflation over time
• leave a specific gift, such as property or shares

Remember to review your Will every few years to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

The correct wording

Once you have decided on the type of bequest you would like to make, ask your solicitor to draft the appropriate clause. You may like to use the following wording as a guide:

'I bequeath, free of all duties [insert here details of the bequest] to Wildlife Victoria Inc.

(ABN 27 753 478 012), to be used for its general purposes. The written receipt of the Secretary or other officer of Wildlife Victoria Inc. may be accepted by my executors as a full and complete discharge.'

To be certain that your bequest reaches us, it is important to use our full legal name (‘Wildlife Victoria Inc. ') and registered Australian Business Number (ABN).

All donations, bequests and testamentary gifts are credited to Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Fund, the public fund maintained by Wildlife Victoria Inc. for its charitable purposes as required by law. Bequests and other testamentary gifts made under a Will are not tax-deductible.

Adding to an existing Will

If your existing Will is satisfactory but you would like to include a bequest to Wildlife Victoria Inc., you can add a codicil. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as your Will. Always seek legal advice when making any changes to your Will.

Informing Wildlife Victoria

We understand that leaving a gift in your will is a very personal matter. But if you have already included Wildlife Victoria in your Will, or are considering doing so, it is a great help if you let us know. We would like to thank you personally, and this provides the opportunity for you to discuss your wishes with us.

More Information

To have a confidential discussion or to request further information  on leaving a bequest in your Will please contact 03 9445 0310 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

By becoming a custodian of Victoria’s fauna through a gift in your will, you make it possible for dedicated volunteers across the state to stand guard for our wildlife in need. Thank you.