This World Environment Day, we're celebrating a new conservation milestone - more than 6,000 Zoo-born animals have been officially released into the wild!

Over 30 years, Perth Zoo has worked tirelessly to boost wild populations of the State's rarest and most endangered wildlife. 
 
Behind-the-scenes, Perth Zoo Science staff pour hours of expertise and passion into the collaborative Native Species Breeding Program (NSBP).

This crucial work happens around the clock and includes successfully matching breeding pairs and supporting the offspring through development until they are prepared for a wild release. 

Now, more than 6,000 animals across ten different species have been born at the Zoo and released into wild habitat, including Numbats, Western Swamp Turtles and White-bellied frogs. 

While this milestone is cause for celebration, Perth Zoo's work for wildlife isn't slowing down! 
The Zoo is currently in the midst of another baby boom with seven Numbat joeys, 48 Western Swamp Turtles, 109 White-bellied Frogs and 20 critically endangered Hairy Marron already hatched or born in the most recent season. 

With the extinction crisis looming, each individual hatched or born at the Zoo makes a significant impact on the future of the species. 

Underpinned by cutting edge science, the Zoo's conservation work is recognised globally.

In fact, Perth Zoo remains the only institution in the world to breed Numbats - this program has seen wild populations jump from an estimated 300 in the 80s to now more than 3,000. 

Over the years, programs have supported Dibblers, Orange-bellied Frogs, Chuditch, Shark Bay Mice, Sunset Frogs, Bush Stone-curlews and Australian Water Rats. 

This incredible work is done in collaboration with scientists in the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, as well as other partners and local organisations that release Zoo-born animals into wild habitat in WA and around Australia. 

Right now, Perth Zoo is calling on wildlife-lovers around the State to help us with this species-saving work. 

As a conservation agency, Perth Zoo is majority self-funded and any donation - big or small - will make an impact on the future of WA's precious wildlife.  Find out more here.