Published Thursday, 21 February, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
David Fleay Wildlife Park Celebrations
There is more than one reason to celebrate at the David Fleay Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast today.
Minster for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said he was pleased to announce the David Fleay Wildlife Park’s first successful captive bilby breeding program and to officially open the new Cassowary Pathway at the park.
“A litter of three bilby joeys have been successfully bred at the park.
“The bilbies were born in October and are now four and a half months old.
“While the birth of three bilbies is not uncommon, it is rare for all three to survive to weaning,” Mr McNamara said.
“Brothers and sister, Rupert, Leroy and Honey will have to wait until they reach six months of age before they’re considered ready for re-introduction into the wild – a predator managed site within a National Park.
“Unfortunately the bilby is an endangered species in Queensland because of threats from introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats.
They also suffer competition from rabbits for food and shelter,” he said.
David Fleay Wildlife Park has a long tradition of breeding and displaying native animals.
“The wildlife park is also celebrating the opening of its new Cassowary Pathway,” Mr McNamara said.
“This pathway allows visitors a special view of the cassowaries in their enclosures, through the rainforest,” he said.
Member for Burleigh, Christine Smith, welcomed the Minister’s visit to the David Fleay Wildlife Park.
“I have lobbied the Minister to visit the park and see firsthand the wonderful work done by the staff and volunteers here,” she said.
“The success of the bilby breeding at the park has generated a great deal of excitement for the whole community.
“I would also encourage people to come and visit the new Cassowary Pathway, and learn about these majestic creatures,” she said.
The Environmental Protection Agency manages the David Fleay Wildlife Park as an environmental education facility, to raise community awareness and promote the conservation of endangered wildlife.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 333 68002
Minster for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said he was pleased to announce the David Fleay Wildlife Park’s first successful captive bilby breeding program and to officially open the new Cassowary Pathway at the park.
“A litter of three bilby joeys have been successfully bred at the park.
“The bilbies were born in October and are now four and a half months old.
“While the birth of three bilbies is not uncommon, it is rare for all three to survive to weaning,” Mr McNamara said.
“Brothers and sister, Rupert, Leroy and Honey will have to wait until they reach six months of age before they’re considered ready for re-introduction into the wild – a predator managed site within a National Park.
“Unfortunately the bilby is an endangered species in Queensland because of threats from introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats.
They also suffer competition from rabbits for food and shelter,” he said.
David Fleay Wildlife Park has a long tradition of breeding and displaying native animals.
“The wildlife park is also celebrating the opening of its new Cassowary Pathway,” Mr McNamara said.
“This pathway allows visitors a special view of the cassowaries in their enclosures, through the rainforest,” he said.
Member for Burleigh, Christine Smith, welcomed the Minister’s visit to the David Fleay Wildlife Park.
“I have lobbied the Minister to visit the park and see firsthand the wonderful work done by the staff and volunteers here,” she said.
“The success of the bilby breeding at the park has generated a great deal of excitement for the whole community.
“I would also encourage people to come and visit the new Cassowary Pathway, and learn about these majestic creatures,” she said.
The Environmental Protection Agency manages the David Fleay Wildlife Park as an environmental education facility, to raise community awareness and promote the conservation of endangered wildlife.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 333 68002