Zookeepers on a mission

Saving our species is end-game work, writes Symbio’s Kevin Fallon

As part of our Conservation Partnership with the Aussie Ark (Barrington Tops) Zookeepers Zoe and Maritza made the five-hour trip north-west to help the Aussie Ark team with vital conservation and breeding programs conducted within their 500-hectare site.

The two Symbio Zookeepers assisted in the care and management of some of Australia’s most endangered species such as the Tasmanian Devil, Eastern Quoll, Rufous Bettong, Parma Wallaby, Southern Brown Bandicoot and more, while also sharing their knowledge and expertise.

For Zoe, Maritza and the team at Symbio, partnering on a program such as this creates real-world change, and being part of saving species from extinction is end-game work. It is one thing to be able to educate people to advocate for animals, but playing an integral part in endangered species conservation projects is at the heart of all that we do.

Zoe Ridge said: “It is a huge honour to be able to help contribute to such an amazing cause and potentially save these amazing creatures from extinction. I’d like to think that the work we do today will enable my grandchildren’s grandchildren to not just think these animals live on the pages of a book.”

Australian mammals are unique and our fragile ecosystems are heavily reliant on their inclusion. With an estimated three billion animal lives lost in the 2019 bushfires, now more than ever they need our help. For more information on how you can help, visit Aussieark.org.au