Australian Reptile Park becomes first NSW zoo to receive an endangered numbat

The Australian Reptile Park has become the first New South Wales zoo to receive a numbat. The arrival of the endangered female numbat (named Pip), will help raise the awareness of Australian marsupials that have the status of “endangered”. 

Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world and educating the public about the plight of Australian animals is key to securing their future.

The new arrival was made possible by a close working partnership with Perth Zoo and their successful captive breeding program which has been in place since 1987. Perth Zoo’s breeding program has seen over 230 numbats bred and given to the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy for release into protected habitats. 

“We’re very excited about being the first zoo establishment in New South Wales to have a numbat! The Australian Reptile Park recognises Pip’s important role in education and advocacy of their species,” said Tim Faulkner, Director Australian Reptile Park. 

“The numbat is truly a unique animal that Australian’s should have more urgency to try and save – it’s the Western Australian Fauna Emblem. Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world and numbats need all the publicity they can get to ensure they don’t add to this sad statistic,” added Faulkner. 

“Pip is already becoming very confident with her new surroundings and is settling in very well. She only eats termites, so our staff need to go out and harvest wild termites to keep her healthy and happy.

"Numbats are currently listed as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is why The Australian Reptile Park is proud that Pip will become an ambassador for her species to help raise awareness for this unique Australian animal.”

The Numbat, also called the banded anteater, is a small endangered marsupial animal native to parts of Western Australia. They have a long sticky tongue that allows them pick up termites, which they eat exclusively. The species is under threat from habitat loss and introduced predators like foxes and feral cats. With an estimated population of fewer than 1,000 individuals, the numbat needs all the help it can get to protect its future.

More information visit www.reptilepark.com.au