Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Australian Reptile Park becomes first NSW zoo to receive an endangered numbat

Australian Reptile Park becomes first NSW zoo to receive an endangered numbat
January 28, 2019

The Australian Reptile Park has become the first New South Wales zoo to receive a numbat. The arrival of the endangered female numbat (named Pip), will help raise the awareness of Australian marsupials that have the status of “endangered”. 

Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world and educating the public about the plight of Australian animals is key to securing their future.

The new arrival was made possible by a close working partnership with Perth Zoo and their successful captive breeding program which has been in place since 1987. Perth Zoo’s breeding program has seen over 230 numbats bred and given to the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy for release into protected habitats. 

“We’re very excited about being the first zoo establishment in New South Wales to have a numbat! The Australian Reptile Park recognises Pip’s important role in education and advocacy of their species,” said Tim Faulkner, Director Australian Reptile Park. 

“The numbat is truly a unique animal that Australian’s should have more urgency to try and save – it’s the Western Australian Fauna Emblem. Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world and numbats need all the publicity they can get to ensure they don’t add to this sad statistic,” added Faulkner. 

“Pip is already becoming very confident with her new surroundings and is settling in very well. She only eats termites, so our staff need to go out and harvest wild termites to keep her healthy and happy.

"Numbats are currently listed as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is why The Australian Reptile Park is proud that Pip will become an ambassador for her species to help raise awareness for this unique Australian animal.”

The Numbat, also called the banded anteater, is a small endangered marsupial animal native to parts of Western Australia. They have a long sticky tongue that allows them pick up termites, which they eat exclusively. The species is under threat from habitat loss and introduced predators like foxes and feral cats. With an estimated population of fewer than 1,000 individuals, the numbat needs all the help it can get to protect its future.

More information visit www.reptilepark.com.au

Related Articles

10th January 2019 - Name selected for The Australian Reptile Park koala joey following thousands of entries

29th December 2018 - Animals kept cool at The Australian Reptile Park

23rd December 2018 - Australian Reptile Park welcomes Dundee the Eastern Grey Kangaroo as their Christmas Miracle

29th November 2018 - Australian Reptile Park Wins 2018 NSW Business Of The Year

7th July 2018 - Australian Reptile Park welcomes record koala breeding season

24th November 2016 - Perth Zoo to release numbats into predator-free wild

3rd March 2016 - United Nations marks World Wildlife Day with a global call to save endangered species

6th June 2015 - Australian native mammals to be reintroduced to NSW


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

InterQuad (International Quadratics) 

InterQuad (International Quadratics)  With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

Fluidra Commercial

  Fluidra Commercial Australia develops innovative, highly technical and sustainable solutions designed to create unique aquatic facilities for the 'Commercial Pool' category. Public…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Sport / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Hydrocare Pool Services

Hydrocare Pool Services Pty Ltd offer 30 years of experience in aquatic industry features, products and water treatment. Hydrocare Pools has undertaken water treatment for aquatic centres and…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Technology

 
 

HIB Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd

HIB Insurance Brokers - Experts in Leisure and Amusement Insurance With over 20 years specialising in the Amusement and Leisure industries, we have the experience to understand your operations and…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Insurance / Recreation / Safety

 
 

METRA Australia

With industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 

State Wide Pool Services

Known as Hydrilla since September 2020 - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/hydrilla-pty-ltd

read more

Aquatics

 
 

Myzone

Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org  Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business