Conservation staff have consistently sought to avoid the extinction of species in the wild, often by eliminating potential threats such as invasive species, habitat degradation, and poaching. In many instances, however, field conservation measures may be inadequate and not all species can be effectively conserved in their native habitats. This then necessitates more extreme forms of intervention, such as captive breeding by zoos, aquariums, or botanical gardens to increase the likelihood of species survival.
The participation of zoos and aquariums in these breeding programmes is often a cooperative worldwide and regional captive breeding operation. For each species a programme is maintained that captures all the details of individual’s parentage, and factors such as breeding, health etc. A computer programme is also used to determine the best breeding partners that will ensure the genetic diversity of the population is maintained. The animals in these cooperative breeding programmes do not belong to any organisation and at any time we expect to get advice to move and swap some of our animals in support of these programmes.
Across our region, both for Australia and New Zealand a wide variety of native species are directly involved in breed for release or population insurance conservation programmes, which involve zoos and conservation departments and we are part of a number of these programmes. Additionally, numerous exotic species, which are often part of a global programme, are managed by our regional zoos including ourselves.
Each year Australasian zoos and aquariums connect 22 million people with wildlife, fostering a love for our world’s species and educating people about positive actions to help save them. The regional zoos and aquaria members participate in 629 conservation programs for threatened species worldwide. In 2017, for example, they funded a total of $21 million to conservation as well as a further $3 million of in-kind support.
A few examples of Australasian native species conservation breeding programmes:
Australia
- Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby
- Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby
- Orange-bellied Parrot
- Spotted-tailed Quoll
- Lister’s geckos
- Blue-tailed Skinks
- Numbats
- Coroboree Frogs
- Helmeted and Regent Honeyeaters
New Zealand
- Kiwi
- Campell Island Teal
- Brown Teal
- Tuatara
- Giant Weta
- Kaka parrot
- Shore Plover
- Archey’s Frogs
- Yellow-crowned Kakariki
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Who’s excited to meet our 3 serval kittens!?
The adorable trio are on display in the serval exhibit from 3pm until 3:30pm daily.
Bookings for up-close encounters now available on our website. https://hallsgapzoo.com.au/encounters/
#serval #cat #wildcat #hallsgapzoo #kittens #victoria #grampians
MEET OUR SERVAL KITTENS! 🐆
Encounters are now available for pre-booking on our website to meet our gorgeous serval trio.
The kittens will also be on display for you to visit between 3pm and 3:30pm starting today 😻
For encounter bookings, head to: https://hallsgapzoo.com.au/encounters/
#serval #cat #wildcat #hallsgapzoo #kittens #victoria #grampians
Make sure you get my good side 🤭
📸 Supervisor Mila
#swampwallaby #macropod #hallsgapzoo #victoria #grampians
Our director (the one on the right) Mark and Shardul have been in discussion about how we can make our up-close encounters more accessible for all our guests.
#hallsgapzoo #accessibility #disabilityservices
Me: Enjoying my pumpkin in peace
Also me: Remembers I left the stove on 🎃🐒
📸 Keeper Darci
#emperortamarin #monkey #primate #hallsgapzoo #grampians #Victoria #Melbourne
🌍 National Threatened Species Day🌍
Today, we shine a spotlight on the Spotted-tail Quoll, also known as the Tiger Quoll- one of Australia’s most remarkable yet vulnerable native species. Here at Halls Gap Zoo, we’re committed to protecting and preserving these incredible animals. Over the past three breeding seasons, we’ve successfully bred 19 healthy quoll joeys, contributing to the survival of this amazing species.
These fierce little predators play a crucial role in their ecosystems, but they face many threats in the wild. By breeding and caring for them, we’re helping to secure their future.
#NationalThreatenedSpeciesDay #TigerQuoll #Conservation #HallsGapZoo #visitvictoria #melbourne
King Jamala surveying his land 👑
Meet Jamala and his brother Duma by booking in an up-close encounter https://hallsgapzoo.com.au/shop/cheetah-encounter/
#cheetah #bigcat #grampians #victoria #visitmelbourne #hallsgapzoo
When you get caught being weird, and try to play it off.
📸 Keeper Kane
#elk #hallsgapzoo #Victoria #Melbourne #grampians #hoofstock
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
You guessed it! Serval kittens are coming soon!! 🤗😺
We need your help to name our kittens, 1 female and 2 males. Our team has chosen a few names in 3 different themes. To pick the theme you`d like, head to our Facebook page to REACT to our naming post.
*We placed collars on the kittens for naming purposes so you can see what name goes with which kitten.*
Voting closes 8am Monday 9th.
Stay tuned to our social media to see how you can meet the bundles of cuteness in person 🫣
When it comes to being a father, there’s no one better than emus!
Emu males are devoted fathers: the males alone incubate the eggs, after they are laid by the female. The newly hatched chicks are able to walk shortly after birth and will follow their dad for about 6 months until they are big enough to fend for themselves.
If you’re still looking for a Fathers Day gift for this Sunday, check out our animal experiences on our brand new website! https://hallsgapzoo.com.au or come visit our three emu chicks before they get too big! 🥰
#hallsgapzoo #grampians #emu #fathersday #zoo #victoria #visitmelbourne #bird
Boo the Boobook Owl 🦉
The Southern Boobook is the smallest and most common owl in Australia. Southern Boobooks are found throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania and on some coastal islands.
#boobookowl #owl #birdofprey #raptor #grampians #Melbourne
In the interest of public safety, the zoo will be closed today (Wednesday 28th August). As the wind is supposed to increase during the day, we have made the decision for our guests, animals and our staff.
Hoping to see everyone tomorrow!
If you had an animal encounter booked for today, we will be in contact to reschedule.
The weather is warming up, which means our reptiles are becoming more active.
Our lace monitor has taken advantage of the sun being out ☀️
📸 Keeper Tash.
#lacemonitor #lizard #reptile #hallsgapzoo #grampians #victoria
