Cairns Wildlife Parks unite to save threatened species

Cairns ZOOm & Wildlife Dome and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas will unite with a range of animals at Carnival On Collins this Sunday 1st September to build awareness of National Threatened Species Day (7th September).

This free community event will take place from 8.30am to 3pm, featuring educational animal presentations to raise awareness for the plight of threatened species.

Executive Director of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Chris Hibbard said the aim of the Zoo and Aquarium Association is to build awareness for National Threatened Species Day at free community events such as this.

Hibbard explained "Australian zoos and aquariums are gravely concerned about the plight of our threatened species Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinction in the world and we are facing an amphibian crisis, but there is hope.

"Events such as this is our way of educating communities about what is threatening our species, and how all Australians can help to save these species from extinction through small actions."

The date for National Threatened Species Day, 7th September, commemorates the death of the last Tasmanian tiger in captivity at the Hobart Zoo in 1936. Now, 77 years later, many more Australian animals are still faced with extinction.

Wildlife Habitat Manager Clare Anderson said the region's wildlife parks house several threatened species, including the Southern Cassowary, Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo, Northern Bettong, Gouldian Finch, Spotted-tail Quoll, Mahogany Glider, and Lungfish.

Anderson stated "as an association of zoos and aquariums, we're all also committed to working together and with government departments to give these species the best possible chance at survival."

The event at Carnival on Collins in Cairns is one of many that have been organised in city locations around Australia for National Threatened Species Day, including Martin Place in Sydney, Queen Street Mall in Brisbane and Darwin Waterfront in Darwin.

The Zoo and Aquarium Association is the not for profit representative body for over 90 zoos and aquariums throughout Australasia. The Association has adopted a National approach to this day.

For more information go to http://wildlifehabitat.com.au

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