Aussie Ark transfers 15 endangered Parma Wallabies from Blue Mountains to Barrington Tops

Conservation organisation Aussie Ark has completed the transfer of 15 endangered Parma Wallabies from the Blue Mountains to the Barrington Tops. 

The Parma Wallabies originate at Yengo Endangered Wildlife Reserve; Australia’s first privately owned conservation facility managed by the legendary Peter Pigott. Pigott began his breeding program 54 years ago, to help re-establish this iconic species back on mainland Australia. Over 450 animals have bred over those five decades, making it the largest colony in existence. Pigott now wants to ‘share the love’ by transferring animals to carefully selected sanctuaries. 

Pigott shared “It’s such a pleasure to be here for an historic day, We’re doing this for one purpose; to re-establish the Parma Wallaby in its rightful place in the picture of Australian wildlife. Making certain the wallaby doesn’t become extinct.” 

Aussie Ark is honoured to help continue Mr Pigott’s legacy by transferring 15 precious animals to the Ark. Operations Manager Dean Reid led the team, assisted by veterinarian Sarah Thompson and University of Newcastle’s Emily Jarvis. Jarvis is completing a PhD on Parma Wallabies and working alongside Aussie Ark to research distribution and behaviour. 

Once at the Ark, the Parma Wallabies spent the first two weeks in a ‘soft release’ enclosure in the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary. These enclosures contain food and water, and enable the wallabies to acclimatise to the smells, sights and sounds of the Barrington Tops. The doors were then opened, and the wallabies were free to start their new lives in the 400-hectare feral-proof Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary.    

Dean Reid noted “Peter’s effort to breed up the Parma Wallabies is hugely significant to Australia and the world. And for Aussie Ark it’s another significant milestone for our Parma breeding and re-wilding program, helping save this species from extinction.”

If you’d like to help Aussie Ark’s efforts saving the Parma Wallaby from extinction please donate now at aussieark.org.au.   https://www.aussieark.org.au/

Aussie Ark is a world-leader in breeding and rewilding some of Australia's most endangered species. As a not-for-profit organisation, Aussie Ark raises the necessary funds to continue its ambitious vision through donations, sponsorships and partnerships.

Investment allows for the construction of captive facilities and predator-proof fencing on semi-wild parcels of land. Aussie Ark is a registered environmental organisation and charitable institution under the Australian Charity and Not-for-Profit Commission.

Aussie Ark has deductible gift recipient status (DGR status) and is registered for GST purposes.

Images. Dean Reid and Peter Pigott and Parma Wallaby joey. Credit: Aussie Ark