Today is National Threatened Species Day, and it’s a timely reminder about the vulnerability of our most threatened and iconic native species. Last week, a wild numbat mother was taken by a raptor in Dryandra Woodlands, leaving three orphaned numbat joeys in her burrow. The mother was born at Perth Zoo two years ago and released into the wild with a radio collar which allowed researchers to monitor her progress and enabled them to act quickly to retrieve her offspring.

Parks and Wildlife staff rescued the joeys and they were delivered into the Zoo’s care. Perth Zoo is the only zoo in the world who breeds numbats and has experience rearing these unique animals. Unfortunately the runt of the litter has since passed away, a sober reminder of how fragile this species is, but zoo staff are working round the clock caring for the two remaining siblings who are gaining strength daily. Once they are weaned, the aim is to release the numbats back to Dryandra, which is one of the last wild strongholds for this endangered species.

Numbats are one of five native species bred at the Zoo as part of collaborative efforts within the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to help save wildlife.

It is thought that there are less than 1500 numbats left in the wild. Numbats are endangered and the fauna emblem of WA.