7 September marks the day that Australia’s last remaining Thylacine (the Tasmanian Tiger) died 86 years ago in 1936.
This day raises awareness about animals and plants that are facing a similar future and the importance of their protection.
In honour of National Threatened Species Day, we’re putting the spotlight on threatened native species to reflect on species lost, but also importantly, what we can do to save those that still remain.
Behind the scenes of Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, we undertake critical conservation work with species that are struggling to survive in the wild. Read on to discover more about our native conservation programs and to get involved in some fun activities.
Tassie Devils are threatened in the wild by an aggressive Devil Facial Tumour Disease. We work with partners across Australasia in a collaborative captive breeding and release program, with a number of devils released into the wild on Maria Island.
Facing extinction due to habitat and the impact of introduced foxes and goats, in 1996 Zoos SA contributed to a partnership that reintroduced a population of Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies into Aroona Sanctuary – marking the first reintroduction of a macropod species in the world!
Bilby populations have been devastated by feral cats and foxes with as few as 9,000 remaining in the wild. Our work with the National Recovery Team involving captive breeding, research and contributing to recovery efforts has seen over 200 bilbies bred and more than 90 released back into the wild.
In a world-first for conservation, Monarto Safari Park successfully bred 14 Pygmy Blue-tongue Lizards, a species once thought to be extinct and never before bred in captivity!
Read student Harrison’s blog post about the Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard
Critically endangered and genetically unique, there are thought to be less than 1,000 Plains Wanderers remaining in the wild. Zoos SA is part of the conservation breeding program that will see the eventual reintroduction of captive-bred birds into wild populations.
Formerly widespread throughout South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia, Black-flanked Rock-wallabies (also known as Warru), have seen a significant decline in numbers. We work alongside The Warru Recovery Team to help recover populations of Warru in South Australia.
Get creative with this gorgeous picture created by keeper, Eli, in honour of this special day.
A great way to get the littles (and the adults!) involved and to reflect on some of Australia’s iconic species.
Simply download, print and colour!
We’re part of Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife, a joint initiative between Zoos Victoria and RSPCA Victoria, to build a community of cat owners who have the tools to keep their cats safe and enriched at home.
And the more time they spend at home, the safer they are from injury, fighting and disease, plus you will be helping to protect unique and endangered native wildlife.
Do you know what percentage of threatened wildlife are found in cities, or how much longer indoor cats live than outdoor cats?
Take the quiz to find out more about keeping native wildlife safe.
Featuring many endangered Australian animals that Zoos SA is fighting to save including the Tassie Devil and Greater Bilby, ANiMOZ is a collectible trading card game for kids.
Step into the role of ranger and discover the superpowers of different species to build your own healthy ecosystem and keep the animals safe.
In ANiMOZ, kids can learn about the threats that some Australian animals are facing, and how they can help to put a stop to it, with a portion of sales giving back to conservation!
Available online and instore at the Zoo and Safari Shops.
Get within a whisker with our exciting behind the scenes experiences. It’s a great way to meet your favourite animal friends!
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