Many Zoos are now a place to breed endangered Native Animals. Perth Zoo has bred and released into the wild over 4,000 endangered Native Animals. Including Numbats,
Dibblers One of the Worlds rarest Mammals
Western Ground Parrot Only 150? of these beauties left in the wild.
Chuditch (Western Quoll)
Plus Koalas are becoming threatened Australia wide. Although Western Australia does not have Koalas, Only the Eastern States have endemic Koalas, Perth Zoo breeds Koalas and one of the latest Bred Koalas has made his Debut. Boondi, the male joey was born to mum Mia and dad, Slater around nine months. Peek a Boo, I see you.
I have mixed feelings to be honest.. I am still gathering info and then perhaps it will be clearer...
However, I take on board the comments that the captive breeding programmes are not as effective as we are led to believe.. in that, they only cover a VERY small number of species.. and.. that when they are released into the wild, cool as we all want that to be... often it has disastrous consequences.. captive bred animals often lack the instincts and just don't do well, often they don't survive.. I am not convinced that there are enough follow up studies or research to be sure that it helps sufficiently...
If that's so.. then we are left with zoos being a very poor excuse in terms of conservation.. and that they may well, often be quite cruel, while things have improved we DO still see animals displaying signs of stress and boredom..
As for Koalas - sadly they are now going to be even more endangered due to the fires.. VERY, VERY heartbreaking to see them suffering :(
@Adaydreambeliever Released animals are intensively monitored here in WA. Yes, sometimes many of the released animals die, but not all. It is those that survive that are the future of the species. Their young are born in the wild and know how to survive. Better we make an effort than no effort at all. Without help, many more species would already be extinct.
@Gusman I do see your point and consider that as well.. but there's also the accusation that many of the captive bred animals are from stock that's horribly inbred.. and.. the accusations that many zoos bred only to destroy the offspring.. like tigers... and that some zoos breed ONLY as a constant source of cute visitor attractions..
I am a conservationist at heart.. I want to save all species.. mainly for OUR benefit as we just don't know how valuable a species may be to US, e/g meds, cures, etc... but also because for US we are passing on a world that is less rich in terms of biodiversity.. that has to be bad news... and we should be ashamed..
@revenant Sure. They are all taught how to live and forage in the wild. All are released into protected areas. Introduced Predator free areas. Many are released onto islands.
