Why are you inspired by your job?
My office is the great outdoors with some of the most beautiful plants and animals the world has to offer. But most of all, I have a fantastic opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most endangered mammals and amphibians.
Why did you become interested in nature conservation?
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world of nature conservation. In 1980, I was involved in the care of a large colony of koalas and other wildlife in Queensland. From then on, rescuing animals and rehabilitating them for release back into the wild became an interest and a passion for me. In 1987, I came to Western Australia to join Perth Zoo where I discovered Numbats.
What made you specifically interested in the Numbat?
The Numbat is one of only two diurnal marsupials in Australia. Most of Australia’s marsupials are nocturnal. It is also a termite-eating mammal which is another interesting adaption of this species.
The Numbat is listed as endangered with fewer than 1000 thought to be left in the wild. Its main threats are feral cats, domestic cats that are allowed to roam free and foxes.
I’ve dedicated a large part of my life to a species and I am now seeing it on the verge of being wiped out. It has brought the reality of extinction home to me. I find it very sad that this is happening before our eyes.
What has been your biggest achievement in nature conservation?
In 2005, I founded the conservation group Project Numbat Inc. which is dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of the Numbat. The group has made significant contributions to in-situ conservation of the species. We have organised aerial flights to monitor Numbats in the wild and have provided volunteers for a driving survey in Dryandra to monitor the wild Numbats.
What has been your most memorable nature conservation experience?
In 1991, I went on an over-land trip which covered seven African countries including Zaire and Rwanda. I had always planned to visit the Mountain Gorillas and knew that very few remained in the wild and were very difficult to see. While climbing through the thick jungle, we found a family group with a dominant silverback male. I was at the back of our group and not really getting a good view when all of a sudden a young sub adult fell though the canopy above me and landed right beside me. He was too close to even pull out a camera to take a photo! Without a word, I slowly placed my hand out for him to touch me…. he just sat there staring into my eyes. He didn’t touch my hand but got up and walked over the top of my legs, seemingly unfazed by my presence.
How does working for Perth Zoo help you achieve your own conservation aims?
Perth Zoo is a leader in breeding some of the world’s most endangered animals and also in supporting conservation in the wild through its Wildlife Conservation Action fundraising program. The Zoo doesn’t just have a collection of animals – it is making a real and positive contribution to the conservation of species in the wild. I am involved in the Zoo’s breeding program for Numbats which are released into the wild.
What, in your view, is the biggest contribution NGOs make to nature conservation?
NGOs are able to rally large numbers of volunteers to support conservation projects in the wild.
NGO’s can support in-situ projects and recovery projects which is critical to the success of conservation outcomes.
I’ve been amazed to discover that Perth Zoo has had more not-for-profit conservation groups started up by staff and others than any other zoo in Australia. That really sums up the level of motivation and passion we have here at Perth Zoo and in Western Australia.
NGOs are always looking for volunteers both to help in the field and in the office, so sign up!
Along with donating to or fundraising for Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action fund, what can individuals do to help the nature conservation cause?
It is really important to keep your pet cats indoors, keep your dogs on your property and not to remove any hollow logs from the bush where Numbats are found.
If you had one wish in nature conservation, what would it be?
The human race needs to wake up to the fact that we have to preserve the diversity on this planet and that we must truly value and protect the few wild places that are left.
If you want to get involved in conservation, learn how Perth Zoo can help. Visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Act.
Find out more about the conservation organisations which our featured staff support.
Photos courtesy of Phil Enland and Vicki.
