Monarto Safari Park is celebrating the births of two native species just in time for National Threatened Species Day.
Marked each year on 7 September, the day aims to raise awareness about native plants and animals at risk of extinction and highlights the conservation work taking place across Australia to protect these species for future generations.
The team at Zoos SA are doing their part for species conservation with the exciting arrival of four tiny Tasmanian Devils and two fluffy Greater Bilby joeys.
Both sets of joeys are just days away from poking their snouts out to explore the outside world.
Keeper, Heidi Baker, said Tasmanian Devil mum, Daenerys, has had her work cut out for her with four sets of paws on board.
“It’s always exciting to have devil joeys at the park, these joeys take us to 77 that we have successfully bred here since we have been involved in the national breeding program,” she said.
“Daenerys’ joeys were born in May, so they’ve been nice and cosy in her pouch since then, but now they are getting pretty big and there isn’t much room left!
“Devils have a very deep pouch, so we have seen three tails and little paws, but we think there is a fourth joey tucked away at the top.
“We’ve seen one joey start to ride on mums back and soon its siblings will join in the fun. They will do this until they are about six or seven months old.
“Daenerys is a very confident girl and she has been very protective of her little ones, so we’re looking forward to seeing her thrive as a mum over the coming months.”
Greater Bilby, JoJo, is a first-time mum and the team is eagerly awaiting the first appearance of her tiny long-eared twins.
“We did a pouch check early on and were able to see two jellybean-sized joeys in her pouch,” Heidi said.
“They have been tucked away for around three months, so we’re bouncing with excitement to see them poke their heads out any day now.
“It’s lovely actually because not only is it National Threatened Species Day, but tomorrow is National Bilby Day too! So we’re thrilled that we can share this exciting conservation update for both species today.”
As part of Zoos SA’s conservation breeding program, JoJo and Daenerys are housed in a behind-the-scenes area of Monarto Safari Park. Visitors can take a peek at these amazing conservation programs during the park’s Devilish Native Experience.
Zoos SA has been working with the Tasmanian Devil since 2006 and Greater Bilby for an amazing 30 years!
The Tasmanian Devil is endangered in the wild, with populations devastated by the Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
The birth of Daenerys’ joeys marks another milestone for the species conservation as part of Zoos SA’s vital behind-the-scenes breeding for release program to maintain the species’ genetic diversity.
Similarly, Zoos SA works with the Greater Bilby National Recovery Team in conservation breeding, maintenance of the species studbook, supervising research and contributing to recovery efforts for the species.
Our breeding program at Monarto Safari Park has seen over 200 bilbies born with more than 90 released back into the wild as part of vital recovery projects.
National Threatened Species Day began in 1996 to mark the 60th anniversary of the death of the last remaining Tasmanian tiger in Hobart Zoo in 1936.
Over the last two hundred years it is believed that more than 100 species of plants and animals have become extinct with thousands of others at the risk of extinction.
For more information Zoos SA’s conservation work, please visit zoossa.com.au
