Perth Zoo celebrates successful breeding of threatened species 

A recent 'baby boom' at Perth Zoo marks a rise in population numbers for endangered and critically endangered animals - the numbat, western swamp tortoise and dibbler.

This new generation of endangered and critically endangered native animals is being raised behind the scenes at Perth Zoo as part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction's Biodiversity and Conservation Science program. 

This season, 67 critically endangered western swamp tortoises have hatched in the Zoo's specialised breeding facility. Once matured, these tortoises will be released into safe Western Australian wild habitat to support fragile populations.

Thirteen small numbat joeys have been recorded in pouches and burrows. Perth Zoo remains the only zoological institution in the world to breed numbats, and since 1993 more than 283 have been bred and released into the wild.

Staff also complete regular pouch checks with the nine breeding dibblers - four individuals are boasting a rare, full pouch with each individual carrying eight joeys.

Plans for a wild release are currently in progress for all three species, in preparation for when the newborns have matured.

The breeding program works to safeguard some of WA's most vulnerable native species, bringing them back from the brink of extinction.

More than 5,236 Perth Zoo-bred animals from 11 different species have been released back into the wild to bolster populations.

Perth Zoo science staff work with conservation managers in DBCA and with other partners such as the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and interstate organisations to release zoo-born animals into safe wild habitat.

Image of baby Numbat courtesy Perth Zoo