It was confirmed to be a male via email!
Healesville Sanctuary Healesville Sanctuary News
- Thread starter WhistlingKite24
- Start date
Northern Corroboree frog release:
From socials:
RIBBITING GOOD NEWS! A team of amphibian experts recently travelled to Namadgi National Park, so 150 critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frogs could return to the wild.
60 of the frogs made the journey from Healesville Sanctuary, while 40 new frogs joined the Sanctuary’s breeding population.
From socials:
RIBBITING GOOD NEWS! A team of amphibian experts recently travelled to Namadgi National Park, so 150 critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frogs could return to the wild.
60 of the frogs made the journey from Healesville Sanctuary, while 40 new frogs joined the Sanctuary’s breeding population.
Naming competition for Goodfellows’ tree kangaroo joey:
People are invited to vote via socials for one of three names for the male joey:
Murua
Mungili
Mongo
All three names have ties to Papua New Guinea
Four Guthega Skinks have been released into an outdoor enclosure in the Bogong High Plains in Victoria. They represent the genes of two isolated populations (Bogong High Plains, Victoria and the healthier population in Mount Kosciuszko, New South Wales) as part of a genetic rescue project involving Healesville. They hope their offspring will then be released into the wild: Genetically mixed skinks fight extinction but habitat under threat
Goodfellows’ tree kangaroo joey named:
Baby tree kangaroo's name revealed after public vote | that's life!
The playful, eight-month-old Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo joey has been named Mungili.
Historic first release of Guthega skinks:
From socials:
In a historic first, Guthega Skinks bred at Healesville Sanctuary have been released in Victoria’s Bogong High Plains, giving fresh hope to the Endangered alpine species.
The pioneer pairs – the first of their kind to have mixed genetics from Kosciusko National Park in New South Wales and the Victorian alps - are expected to produce a new generation of lizards with greater resilience to climate change.
From socials:
In a historic first, Guthega Skinks bred at Healesville Sanctuary have been released in Victoria’s Bogong High Plains, giving fresh hope to the Endangered alpine species.
The pioneer pairs – the first of their kind to have mixed genetics from Kosciusko National Park in New South Wales and the Victorian alps - are expected to produce a new generation of lizards with greater resilience to climate change.
Release of Helmeted Honeyeaters:
From socials:
For the first time in almost half a century, Critically Endangered Helmeted Honeyeaters have returned to Cardinia in southeast Victoria, where they were once found until the Ash Wednesday bushfires (1983).
On an autumnal May morning, 21 iconic yellow and black birds bred at Healesville Sanctuary fluttered off into their new forest home on Bunurong Country establishing a crucial third wild population in the fight against extinction.
Since 2018 the Victorian Government has invested over $8 million in the Faunal Emblems Program, to support the recovery of the Helmeted Honeyeater and Leadbeater’s Possums– improving the long-term conservation and health of both species.
It has taken multiple partners, the Recovery Team and four decades to reach this historic milestone. Zoos Victoria is grateful for the generous financial support provided by philanthropic donors.
From socials:
For the first time in almost half a century, Critically Endangered Helmeted Honeyeaters have returned to Cardinia in southeast Victoria, where they were once found until the Ash Wednesday bushfires (1983).
On an autumnal May morning, 21 iconic yellow and black birds bred at Healesville Sanctuary fluttered off into their new forest home on Bunurong Country establishing a crucial third wild population in the fight against extinction.
Since 2018 the Victorian Government has invested over $8 million in the Faunal Emblems Program, to support the recovery of the Helmeted Honeyeater and Leadbeater’s Possums– improving the long-term conservation and health of both species.
It has taken multiple partners, the Recovery Team and four decades to reach this historic milestone. Zoos Victoria is grateful for the generous financial support provided by philanthropic donors.
This release of a good group of 20+ helmeted honeyeaters does signal a new stage in the restoration project and hopefully the recovery effort can be expanded and more zoos will get involved in this laudable recovery program.
What is the current wild status for the released birds here and at the other 2 release sites? Any update on how large the captive breeding population is and what zoos are getting in on the act here?
What is the current wild status for the released birds here and at the other 2 release sites? Any update on how large the captive breeding population is and what zoos are getting in on the act here?
The wild population fluctuates as expected. Five years ago, it was estimated there were about 250 in the wild. That number decreased to under 200 just a few years ago, but is back over 200 with the most recent update.
It's hoped the recently released birds will contribute to the wild program and help increase numbers. Getting the population back up to 250 in the coming years is the focus.
The current Zoos Victoria population has more than halved following the release of these individuals. The remaining birds will be re-paired for future breeding. Healesville is the only zoo currently breeding them.
@MRJ may be able to confirm - but last time I heard, they only had a pair.
It appears Healesville are the only captive breeding facility, with their captive breeding programme commencing in 1989.
There’s a comprehensive document here about their conservation - including a timeline of all significant events:
Helmeted Honeyeaters - Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater Inc
Moonlit Sanctuary has held a pair for about a decade, not the same pair mind you. They have been older birds and there has been no expectation they will breed. However, they do have a breeding recommendation so if by chance they do breed the offspring will be welcomed into the program.
We are concentrating our efforts on regent honeyeaters, which are of course are a full species in desperate need of support from the captive program.
New Platypus habitat:
From socials:
Healesville Sanctuary have just completed a brand-new habitat designed to help rehabilitate injured Platypuses, and resident Plat Millsom was happy to show it action!
Featuring a four-tiered pool, connected ponds and a waterfall, it's got everything injured Plats need to get strong, healthy and return to the wild.
From socials:
Healesville Sanctuary have just completed a brand-new habitat designed to help rehabilitate injured Platypuses, and resident Plat Millsom was happy to show it action!
Featuring a four-tiered pool, connected ponds and a waterfall, it's got everything injured Plats need to get strong, healthy and return to the wild.
That's such great news; really impressed by the Healesville team and Zoos Vic setting out to establish that for the platypuses in need, and making sure its state-of-the-art setup for them naturally. Another of Healesville's majorly meaninful worthwhile setups for helping a species in need of help. Thanks for sharing the news about.
I visited Healesville today, here’s some updates.
Comparing to my visit last year, a lot birds have moved aviaries and shuffled around but there was nothing new on display.
I can confirm that the zoo no longer has Blue-faced Honeyeater, a keeper told me so.
Regent Bowerbird was also off display/gone, no presence in that aviary he’s normally in and signage was removed.
There remains an empty enclosure in the nocturnal house. It is unclear if/when this will be filled.
The Arid Bird Aviary is having a full-scale renovation, I assume the Princess Parrots (which are on display in another aviary) will move back in, potentially other species that used to be displayed there such as Diamond Firetails and Gouldian Finches (despite not being arid birds).
Whilst it wasn’t an official scheduled keeper talk, a staff member came in and talked to some of us guests about the Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo’s on display. The expectation is that 1.0 Mungili (2024) will be moved onto another facility in the next 3-12 months.
Comparing to my visit last year, a lot birds have moved aviaries and shuffled around but there was nothing new on display.
I can confirm that the zoo no longer has Blue-faced Honeyeater, a keeper told me so.
Regent Bowerbird was also off display/gone, no presence in that aviary he’s normally in and signage was removed.
There remains an empty enclosure in the nocturnal house. It is unclear if/when this will be filled.
The Arid Bird Aviary is having a full-scale renovation, I assume the Princess Parrots (which are on display in another aviary) will move back in, potentially other species that used to be displayed there such as Diamond Firetails and Gouldian Finches (despite not being arid birds).
Whilst it wasn’t an official scheduled keeper talk, a staff member came in and talked to some of us guests about the Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo’s on display. The expectation is that 1.0 Mungili (2024) will be moved onto another facility in the next 3-12 months.
Tawny Frogmouth Chicks
Two Tawny frogmouth chicks have hatched:
Tawny Frogmouth chicks
Hatched in September just three days apart, they’re the fourth clutch for devoted parents Kermit and Tiny, who are raising them in a behind-the-scenes habitat called Grandma’s Garden. Kermit takes the day shift, while Tiny steps in each afternoon, with both sharing night duties.
Click the link to vote on their names:
Chick One:
Pobblebonk - (frog)
Peron - (Peron’s Tree Frog)
Banjo - (Banjo Frog)
Chick Two:
Spencer - (Litoria Spenceri, Spotted Tree Frog)
Watson - (Watson’s tree frog)
Djinith - (Woi wurrung name for Tawny frogmouth)
Two Tawny frogmouth chicks have hatched:
Tawny Frogmouth chicks
Hatched in September just three days apart, they’re the fourth clutch for devoted parents Kermit and Tiny, who are raising them in a behind-the-scenes habitat called Grandma’s Garden. Kermit takes the day shift, while Tiny steps in each afternoon, with both sharing night duties.
Click the link to vote on their names:
Chick One:
Pobblebonk - (frog)
Peron - (Peron’s Tree Frog)
Banjo - (Banjo Frog)
Chick Two:
Spencer - (Litoria Spenceri, Spotted Tree Frog)
Watson - (Watson’s tree frog)
Djinith - (Woi wurrung name for Tawny frogmouth)
Magra the Wedge Tailed Eagle has passed away.
From Member's News:
Healesville Sanctuary is saddened to share that Magra, our long-term Wedge-tailed Eagle, has passed away.
Magra arrived at the Sanctuary 28 years ago as a young bird that could not be released to the wild, and over the years she inspired countless visitors through her powerful presence. Earlier this year, keepers noticed changes in her behaviour and she was moved to our raptor rehabilitation facility for further assessment and treatment. When scans revealed significant changes to her organs and no signs of improvement, the kindest decision was made to euthanise her.
While the team continues to work closely with our other birds, including two Wedge-tailed Eagles preparing to take part in free-flight presentations, Magra will be deeply missed by all who cared for her and by the many people whose lives she touched.
From Member's News:
Healesville Sanctuary is saddened to share that Magra, our long-term Wedge-tailed Eagle, has passed away.
Magra arrived at the Sanctuary 28 years ago as a young bird that could not be released to the wild, and over the years she inspired countless visitors through her powerful presence. Earlier this year, keepers noticed changes in her behaviour and she was moved to our raptor rehabilitation facility for further assessment and treatment. When scans revealed significant changes to her organs and no signs of improvement, the kindest decision was made to euthanise her.
While the team continues to work closely with our other birds, including two Wedge-tailed Eagles preparing to take part in free-flight presentations, Magra will be deeply missed by all who cared for her and by the many people whose lives she touched.