- Behind-the-scenes conservation efforts have supported some of Western Australia's most threatened wildlife
- Program has supported 11 species through breeding, research, and release initiatives
- Perth Zoo's new Conservation Strategy 2026-29 sets direction for future efforts
- Cook Labor Government delivering on its priority to protect and restore the environment this Biodiversity Month
Perth Zoo's Native Species Breeding Program (NSBP) is celebrating 30 years of conservation impact, marking three decades of breeding, research, and reintroduction efforts to support Western Australia's threatened wildlife.
Established in 1996, NSBP has bred or reared more than 6,000 animals across 11 species for release into the wild.
This crucial preservation program is done in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and other conservation partners, and aims to bolster vulnerable populations and prevent species decline.
The program has supported a range of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds over its 30-year history and currently focuses on four priority species: The Numbat, Western Swamp Tortoise, White-bellied Frog and Hairy Marron.
Perth Zoo is the only facility in the world breeding Numbats, with more than 325 zoo-born animals released to support wild populations and establish new populations across Australia.
Earlier this year, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognised the zoo's breeding efforts as a key factor in the species being downlisted from endangered to near threatened.
Since establishing a conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Hairy Marron in 2022, more than 286 craylings have hatched through the program.
The zoo has also bred and released 1,148 critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoises and reared and released 1,553 White-bellied Frogs into the wild.
Beyond breeding and releases, NSBP has contributed significant research into threatened species biology, behaviour, and conservation management.
Knowledge gained through the program has informed recovery efforts, improved care and management techniques, and supported conservation outcomes across WA.
The work undertaken by Perth Zoo Science staff and wildlife conservation specialists includes genetics-based breeding management, reproductive monitoring, habitat design, and species-specific care to maximise breeding success and prepare animals for life in the wild.
Building on the success of NSBP and strengthening the zoo's broader conservation impact, Perth Zoo has released their Conservation Strategy 2026-29.
The strategy supports the zoo's purpose to empower a future where wildlife and humanity thrive together and sets a practical roadmap bringing together conservation, veterinary science, research, education, and advocacy in a focused and measurable way.
The strategy provides a framework for the next three years and reinforces the zoo's role as a leading conservation organisation, supporting the Cook Labor Government's commitment to protecting WA's unique biodiversity.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Perth Zoo's purpose as an organisation is to save wildlife, and the collaborative Native Species Breeding Program is doing just that.
"Western Australia is home to some of the most unique and extraordinary wildlife in the world, some of which would be in considerable trouble without the zoo's efforts. It has played a critical role in protecting these species for generations to come.
"The recent downlisting of the numbat highlights the value of long-term conservation partnerships and the important role Perth Zoo continues to play in species recovery.
"I congratulate the NSBP team, past and present, and acknowledge the contribution of the many partners who have supported this wonderful work over the past three decades."
