The release program is a first for the species in Western Australia and only the third time Bush Stone-curlews have been released into the wild in the country.

Perth Zoo Director of Animal Health and Research Peter Mawson said the reintroduction into Wadderin Sanctuary in the Shire of Narembeen will assist in the re-establishment of the central Wheatbelt’s native wildlife diversity.

“Numbers of these wonderful, charismatic birds have declined across southern Australia due to the fox and cat predation and changes in land use,” Dr Mawson said.

“Surrounded by an 11 km feral-proof fence, the 430 ha sanctuary where the twelve birds will be released has been cleared of feral cats and foxes and is free from grazing by domestic stock. This gives the birds and other animals room to thrive.

The birds will spend up to three weeks in a soft-release enclosure before being given access to the full Wadderin Sanctuary.

“After release, the birds will be monitored with camera traps, sightings and recordings of the birds’ nocturnal calls to determine success of the release.

“Perth Zoo has had great success breeding Bush Stone-curlews with eight born in the past two years and has plans to continue providing Bush Stone-curlews for release.”

Media Contact: 9474 0383 or 0438 950 643

General Information:

• Four female and two male Bush Stone-curlews bred at Perth Zoo will be released, as well as six unsexed Bush Stone-curlews from Caversham Wildlife Park. The birds are between 1 and 2 years old.
• The Bush Stone-curlew’s range extends across Australia. It remains relatively common in northern Australia but has declined greatly in southern Australia.
• Bush Stone-curlews are mostly nocturnal and let out an eerie wailing call at night.
• Bush Stone-curlews are omnivores and eat various invertebrates – such as beetles and grasshoppers – and seeds.
• Wadderin Sanctuary is a water reserve leased by the Shire of Narembeen. It is managed by the Shire and the local community with the aim of re-establishing populations of the native species that once occurred in the region.
• Wadderin Sanctuary is already home to a number of reintroduced native species including Red-tailed Phascogale, Woylie, Quenda, Brush-tailed Possum, Malleefowl and Western Brush Wallaby.
• Wadderin Sanctuary has suitable woodland habitat with a sparse understorey – preferred habitat for Bush Stone-curlews – with many fallen branches and timber which provide food and camouflage.

Perth Zoo’s popular penguin colony has returned to the public eye following a major renovation of the zoo’s Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion today welcomed the penguins back to their home and encouraged visitors to come and see the Little Penguins in their upgraded facilities.

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 “The netting covering the Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits was severely damaged in the hail storm that battered Perth in March 2010,” Mr Marmion said.

“A dedicated effort by staff after the storm helped stitch the netting back temporarily but it was too badly broken to remain long term.

“With State Government funding of $1.6million, the entire overhead netting and supporting infrastructure was replaced and additional work also done on a new visitor boardwalk, landscaping, water filtration systems and work on the penguin pool.

“During construction, the penguins spent several months at Melbourne Zoo where they were housed in a spare exhibit.  The penguins are a favourite at Perth Zoo and I am sure visitors will welcome their return.”

The Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits are now open with a special penguin keeper talk and feed happening every day at 11am.

 Fact File

• The Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits feature 20 bird species including Little Penguins, Black Swan and Brolga 
• Little Penguins found in coastal regions around southern Australia and NZ 
• This is the first renovation of these exhibits undertaken since the Australian Wetlands opened in 1997 and the Penguin Plunge in 1999.
• The Australian Wetlands exhibit reopened in February 2012. 

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The State Government will provide free entry to the Perth Zoo on ANZAC Day for serving and retired defence force men and women.

Announcing the special entitlement today, Environment Minister Bill Marmion said it was a great way to show respect and to say thank you to veterans and serving defence men and women.

“Visiting Perth Zoo is an exciting but also relaxing way to spend a public holiday, especially if you’ve had an early start after attending a dawn ceremony,” Mr Marmion said.

“The ANZAC Day free entry for active and retired servicemen and women is an extension of Perth Zoo’s supported entry program.

“This program provides free entry for children under four years, carers of people with disabilities, mothers on Mother’s Day and fathers on Father’s Day.

“There are also Perth Zoo memberships which provide additional discounts for the local Perth community.”

Free entry will be provided on ANZAC Day to serving and retired defence men and women in uniform or on presentation of relevant identification.

Fact File

• Perth Zoo named WA’s top tourist attraction at WA Tourism Awards in November 2010 and is a multiple winner of this award
• Perth Zoo admission charges are the lowest of the major Australian zoos at $22 per adult, $11 per child and $18 per concession
• Perth Zoo attracts over 611,000 visitors annually

What better way to spend Mother’s Day than a day at the Zoo? With stunning picnic areas, over 1100 animals and free keeper talks it will be a day for mum to remember.

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See you soon!

Perth Zoo thanks the Water Corporation and The Bell Tower for their ongoing support and contribution to the treasure bags. And thanks Sorrento Beach Resort and The Holiday Inn for donating competition prizes.



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