JASMINE Saint has always loved animals and currently has her hands full caring for a growing group of bettongs. 
The Saint family has been getting a reputation for fauna rescue and, in the past 12 months, has increased its menagerie of native marsupials and successfully bred three joeys.
The Saints are currently looking after 10 Brush Tailed bettongs and one Rufous bettong.
“We do it because we love it,” Jasmine said.
And love it they must as caring for the bettongs is a big job.
Every second night the animals have a meal of freshly cut potatoes, carrots, muesli and, as a special treat, almonds.
“The bettongs are circulated through carers to ensure no inbreeding,” Jasmine explained.
“We originally got into it through local Brentwood woman Leanne Cross who put it out there that bettong carers were needed.”
Jasmine, husband Jason and daughters Shania, 13, and Kasey, 10, take their responsibility seriously and regularly sit out at dusk to check on the group’s feeding and welfare.
For the full report, see the print issue of this week's YP Country Times.