- Endangered and critically endangered species born at Perth Zoo
- Native animals being prepared for wild release
- Dingo puppies on display for school holidays
Population numbers for the Numbat, Western Swamp Tortoise, Hairy Marron and White-bellied Frogs are set to rise thanks to a recent baby boom at Perth Zoo.
This new generation of endangered and critically endangered icons is being raised behind the scenes at Perth Zoo through the collaborative Native Species Breeding Program.
This season, 39 critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoises and 94 critically endangered Hairy Marron have hatched.
Meanwhile, seven endangered Numbat joeys have been born with four of the young being prepared for a wild release later this year. Perth Zoo is the only zoological institution in the world to breed these native marsupials, and since 1993, more than 321 have been bred and released into the wild.
Staff have recently returned from a trip to the South West, where 70 zoo-reared, critically endangered White-bellied Frogs have been released to bolster fragile populations.
The zoo's collaborative breeding programs work to safeguard some of Western Australia's most vulnerable native species, bringing them back from the brink of extinction.
Since the program's inception 29 years ago, more than 5,000 Perth Zoo-bred or reared animals from 11 different species have been released back into wild habitats.
Perth Zoo science staff work with conservation managers in the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and with other partners across Australia to release zoo-born animals into safe wild habitat.
While this species-saving work happens behind the scenes, school holiday-goers can say hello to other zoo babies, including a pair of dingo puppies which have now made their public debut.
Perth Zoo stays open until 7.30pm every day during the school holidays. Visitors can enjoy the zoo by day and watch as a 300-piece lantern installation comes alive by night, with ZOOlights.
ZOOlights is included in general admission to Perth Zoo until 12 October. More information at www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Perth Zoo's efforts this year are outstanding, and this recent native species baby boom is certainly one to be celebrated.
"As endangered and critically endangered species, each individual born through these conservation programs makes a significant impact for the future of the species.
"I'd like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all the scientists and animal carers who work on these species-saving programs.
"While this work happens behind the scenes, there's a lot to see and do at the zoo these school holidays and I'd encourage people to take advantage of the extended opening hours.
"With the adorable new dingo puppies to see, a koala joey to spot and the incredible ZOOlights display, a trip to Perth Zoo is a holiday must-do."
