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  • Breeding & Conservation Programs

  • Breeding Program

    Featherdale Wildlife Park plays a vital role in many conservation efforts throughout the country. Providing access for the study of key species by universities and other zoological institutions, the Park makes a valuable contribution to the many challenges facing wildlife.

    Recent studies have been carried out on Dingoes, Bush Stone Curlews, Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies and both the Eastern and Spotted-tailed Quoll, all of which face serious challenges to their range or to their ongoing viability as a species.  At Featherdale, one study involving the Tiger Quoll included scat research to identify individual Quoll DNA which will assist in unlocking the mystery of wild latrine sites – a Quoll’s very own bush telegraph.  Further Tiger Quoll research used Rhodamine B testing to check for colour markers which will aid in establishing  a more targeted aerial baiting programme for feral animal control.

    Featherdale also cooperates with government and non-government wildlife organisations in long term management programmes for some of our endangered species.  Featherdale Keepers have worked with the Nature Conservation Working Group of the Murray Catchment Area to release endangered Bush Stone Curlews back into the wild.  These shy, ground-dwelling birds rely on camouflage to remain hidden by day, and feed at night.  Their numbers have been adversely affected due to predation from feral species and land clearing.

    Captive breeding plays a vital role in fostering knowledge and the protection of future populations of endangered species and Featherdale Wildlife Park is a major contributor to these aims.  The Quoll breeding programme has been so successful that the Park now has a Management role in the National Programme to assist these important animals.  In conjunction with students from Monash University in Victoria, our aim is to sustain a captive population to assist with this endangered species.  Featherdale Quolls were DNA tested to ensure the limited gene pool was utilised efficiently.  As a result from this testing, animals were exchanged amongst Programme members to create viable, genetically diverse pairs.

    Featherdale works in partnership with many wildlife conservation groups.  It is the only Wildlife Park in New South Wales to be endorsed by the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF).  Our support not only includes access to animals for study but also tree-planting ceremonies and providing animals for the AKF ‘Adopt a Koala’ Programme. The ‘Save the Bilby Fund’ also receives support for its campaign to raise awareness in New South Wales of the plight of the endangered Bilby.  The Bilby’s numbers in Eastern Australia are thought to be as few as 600.  Featherdale regularly promotes educational programmes such as ‘Endangered Species Week’, ‘National Bilby Day’ and ‘Save the Koala Month’ to name just a few..