Plains-wanderer Chicks Hatch at Monarto Safari Park

Tucked away in the quiet corners of Monarto Safari Park, a tiny, feathered drama has been playing out, and this time, it’s the dads taking centre stage.

We’re thrilled to announce the hatching of seven critically endangered Plains-wanderer chicks as part of our conservation breeding program at Monarto Safari Park. These speckled newcomers may be small, but they represent a huge win for a species teetering on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 1,000 estimated to remain in the wild.

What makes this story especially heartwarming? The heroes are two devoted dads, Luke and Neo.

Redemption for Luke

Luke’s fatherhood journey hasn’t always been smooth. Last year, when faced with incubating his clutch of eggs, he walked away. Keepers had to call in backup dad Neo to foster the chicks.

But this season, Luke has risen to the challenge. After a less-than-impressive start in 2024, he is now proudly caring for four thriving chicks. The mother, Mitty, one of the very first Plains-wanderers to arrive at Monarto Safari Park, has since passed away from old age, but her legacy lives on in her precious young. Her son Neo, one of her earlier offspring, has just taken on the role of dad for the first time himself.

Superdad Neo

Neo is no stranger to parenting. Last year, he was entrusted with Luke’s abandoned eggs and raised the chicks like they were his own. Now, he has three biological chicks and is showing all the signs of being a doting, protective parent.

In this species, the father does the heavy lifting. After the female lays her eggs, she departs, and the male takes over, incubating for around 23 days and raising the chicks solo. The young are “precocial,” meaning they hatch ready to run, though they still rely on dad for warmth and protection for a few months.

A Unique Species in Peril

Endemic to Australia, the Plains-wanderer is a grassland specialist. Once widespread across Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, they now survive only in scattered, fragile pockets of habitat. Recent research has even revealed surprising populations in areas previously overlooked, including parts of South Australia.

Still, the threats are severe. Habitat destruction, overgrazing, climate extremes and predation continue to shrink their range. Recent population estimates suggest there may be as few as 250 mature individuals during the worst years.

Monarto Safari Park’s breeding efforts are part of a national program aiming to bolster wild populations through research and eventual release into protected grassland strongholds.

Why It Matters

As Native Keeper Gemma explains, “Every bird is important. We’ve had years of research, breeding success and now a new generation of dads stepping up to the challenge. There’s still so much to learn about these birds, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey.”

Mitty, the mother of Neo and grandmother of these latest chicks, arrived at Monarto Safari Park six years ago and was one of the foundation birds of our breeding colony. She raised five chicks in her time, and her lineage continues to help build the species’ future.

By visiting Monarto Safari Park, you’re helping support programs like this. A portion of every ticket contributes directly to our conservation efforts, from breeding programs to habitat protection across Australia.

Australia holds one of the highest mammal extinction rates globally, and birds like the Plains-wanderer face many of the same threats. With your help, we’re making sure they have a fighting chance.

Come visit and see conservation in action. Even the smallest species need the biggest champions.

Learn more about our native species programs at monartosafari.com.au