About the story
Animals and Birds
The hero of this story is the bilby, an endangered species in Australia. Bindee’s original family are already extinct. They were ‘Lesser Bilbies’. The information in the story about the behaviour, eating habits, etc. of bilbies and other native animals and birds is accurate. Unfortunately, so too is the information about rabbits, foxes, and feral cats. For example, rabbits really do often eat one another’s young, especially in crowded burrows. They also take over the burrows of native animals, driving them out, and leaving them at the mercy of foxes and feral cats. As for what rabbits do to the land, well, I’m sure most people have seen that for themselves.
Names Used
The name 'Burra Nimu' is not Aboriginal for bilby. However, I hope that it brings to mind both the many original languages of Australia and the many newer languages that also now belong to this country.
The names of the ‘baddies’ in the story, such as the rabbit general, Lepus, have their roots in the scientific Latin names for their species.
The names of the ‘baddies’ in the story, such as the rabbit general, Lepus, have their roots in the scientific Latin names for their species.
Initial Inspiration
My initial inspiration for the story of Burra Nimu, the Easter Bilby, came from the Anti-Rabbit Research Foundation.
Use of the story
The story is written to encourage the protection of bilbies and other endangered Australian animals and birds, and their habitat. Click onto 'download the story' to see how you can use and adapt the story for non-profit purposes.
Feedback
I would love to hear your feedback about Burra's story, especially how you are are using it and passing it on to others.
Please email me at [email protected]
Many thanks, Jeni
(Jeni Bright helps the Easter Bilby with this website and wrote down his story for him).
Please email me at [email protected]
Many thanks, Jeni
(Jeni Bright helps the Easter Bilby with this website and wrote down his story for him).