Challenges of operating a multi‐species breeding‐for‐release facility at Perth Zoo, Australia

Breeding facilities based at zoological institutions are now considered a key component of integrated species‐conservation efforts. Many zoos and aquariums now operate such facilities under the One Plan approach, which integrates in situ and ex situ efforts with disease management, research and education elements. Perth Zoo, Australia, has been using such an approach since the late 1980s and has demonstrated success by producing large numbers (n = 3841) of animals from 11 species for release to the wild as part of coordinated species‐recovery programmes, operated with key government and non‐governmental partners. Managing a multi‐species breeding facility has been made possible by having dedicated staff caring for the animals, establishing a science‐based approach to all aspects of husbandry, and regularly publishing key results and lessons learned from those efforts. The longer‐term success of the programme has been dependent on the continuous support of the board and executive of Perth Zoo, and the embedding of a conservation ethos into strategic documents, education programmes and media communications with the wider public. Funding a long‐term programme has not been without its difficulties, and a flexible and adaptive approach to seeking and securing funding has been necessary. Running a multi‐species breed‐for‐release programme targeting threatened species presents challenges and opportunities. Animal biology and knowledge gaps, along with unreliable funding sources, are challenges that can be managed. Being able to develop a purpose‐built facility with dedicated staff allows critical knowledge to be accumulated and disseminated, to the benefit of breeding programmes. (Numbat Myrmecobius fasciatus. Photo: Perth Zoo)