Let’s talk about the birds, the bees and saving our trees!
It’s World Wildlife Day and this year we celebrate the vital roles species play to help sustain all life on Earth.

Here are three examples of how animals help our planet thrive.

Bees

At least one third of our food source relies on pollination, and it turns out bees are best for the job! These tiny flying workers help our flowers, trees and plants grow.

Sadly, across the planet bees are dropping like flies and they need our help to survive as much as we need theirs. Reconsider what pesticides are being used in your garden and swap the toxic sprays for natural alternatives. Here at the Zoo, when we encounter a buzzing hive in an inconvenient location we hire a professional to safely relocate our stripy friends. This ensures they can continue their important mission while we remain sting free and our sun bears get to enjoy fresh honeycomb. Win win for everyone!
Honey bees
 Photo by Melissa Leo

Birds

There are around 10,000 species of birds on the planet and between them they help balance the tightrope of our ecology, the connection between plants and animals. Not only do our feathered friends bring more colour and music to our world, they play a vital role as a food source for some species or predators for others, keeping rodent, insect and reptile populations under control. Birds also help transform landscapes, pollinate plants, disperse seeds and even clean up waste (think of the vulture)! Appreciate the cheeps, chirps, and tweets you hear and help keep our local birds protected by adding native plants to your garden and keeping pet cats (yes, even Mr Fluffy is an unsuspecting predator) indoors.
Splendig Fairy Wren
 

Frogs

Do you have an alarm system for your home, alerting you when something is amiss? Turns out we have one for our ecosystem too, frogs! These adaptable amphibians can live in water and on land and their existence often indicates a healthy environment.

Despite their role as a warning system, frogs are facing the biggest extinction rate on the planet since the age of the dinosaurs. We are working to save two tiny frog species from extinction, but you can do your part for these ribbetting creatures in your own backyard. Don’t worry, you don’t need to kiss them to turn them into Prince Charming. Have more plants in your garden, start composting, avoid chemical products and you could even set up a pond for your local frogs.
 
Every animal has a vital role to play, so this World Wildlife Day you are reminded to “#DoOneThingToday to help conserve the world’s biodiversity!”
 
Melissa Leo- Perth Zoo Media and Communication OfficerGreen Tree Frog