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Zoos victoria logo Fighting extinction

Fighting Extinction

Zoos Victoria is committed to fighting wildlife extinction. For several species, our long-term commitment is their only hope of survival.

Zoos Victoria is committed to fighting wildlife extinction. For several species, our long-term commitment is their only hope of survival.

Our goal is to be the world's leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

We're fighting for all our furry, scaly and feathered friends that are facing extinction. This work can't and won't stop, and we need your support.
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Two field scientists sit in grasslands and stare into a small bag with smiles on their faces

Zoos Victoria runs and delivers more captive breeding and recovery programs than any other institution within Australia. Our people are passionate and focused on the conservation of our wildlife for future generations.

Our Wildlife Conservation Master Plan 2019-2024 is dedicated to the recovery of 27 threatened native species, outlining the work and projects we will undertake to save these species from extinction and excite our communities to fight for a future rich in wildlife.

Our 27 priority species

Meet the native threatened species we're fighting to save from extinction

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Local threatened species
Meet the 27 animals we're fighting to protect.

How you can help

We inspire communities to take action and help conserve wildlife and wild places. If we all make small changes, then collectively we can make a big difference. 

A milky coffee in a glass with latte art in the froth; the coffee sits on a saucer with a teaspoon, in front of bags of coffee on a table.
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Coffee for Wildlife
Now available online and at our zoos.
A toe bag with the text "Totes for Wildlife" on it, being held up by a right arm, in front of trees inside the Butterfly House.
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Totes for Wildlife
Buy a tote bag and directly support the conservation of local threatened species.
A Fiordland Penguin perched on a wooden post with its mouth open, next to a Seal the Loop bin for old fishing line
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Seal the Loop
Working to untangle the threats to aquatic wildlife by installing Seal the Loop bins.
Close up of a male silverback gorilla looking into the camera
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They're Calling On You
You can help save gorillas in Africa simply by donating your mobile phone.
A brown bird sits on a rocky surface and stares directly at the camera
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When Balloons Fly, Seabirds Die
Promise to blow bubbles, not balloons at your next outdoor event.
A Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo sitting on a branch and eating from the twigs
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Wipe for Wildlife
Make the switch to toilet paper made from recycled paper today!
A Mountain Pygmy-possum on a mossy rock surface
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Moth Tracker
Upload your Bogong Moth sighting to help change the future of a critically endangered possum
Side profile of a Sumatran Orangutan looking to the right with greenery in the background
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Don't Palm Us Off
Palm oil is linked to rapid loss of biodiversity when produced unsustainably.
A family of four sitting in front of a couch patting two cats and smiling
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Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife
Keeping your cat safe and happy at home is easy!
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How we are leading conservation

We are involved in conservation programs in six countries, eight grass-roots community conservation campaigns, and more than 50 research projects. Each project has been identified and developed to benefit both ecological communities and key species. 

Young gorilla staring to the side of the camera with hands in front, with trees in the background
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Global programs
As human populations grow, wildlife and wild places are increasingly under threat.
A group of adult professionals sitting around a table learning from a Zoos Victoria staff member
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LEAP Consultancy
Zoos Victoria’s training program on wildlife, environment and purpose.
Two high school students with Melbourne Zoo educator investigating an object.
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Sustainability
Zoos Victoria works hard on carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.
Five dogs in orange vests sitting on a long log staring at the camera with ferns in the background
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Detection Dog Squad
These dogs are helping to protect some of Australia’s most threatened species.
Man looking at a young Leadbeater's Possum in a sack
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Research and publications
Research informs every activity and decision we make in our conservation work and our wildlife care.
Zoos Victoria staffs at field
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Meet the Wildlife Conservation and Science team
From biology to animal welfare, education and behaviour change, meet some of the members of our W...

Wildlife rescue and response

Two Zoos Victoria staff walking near the coast with a flock of seagulls flowing overhead
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Marine Response Unit
The Marine Response Unit is fighting for Victoria's marine animals on the frontline.
Koala walking
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RSPCA-funded wildlife response
Zoos Victoria’s ability to respond to wildlife emergencies is being transformed with a wildlife a...
Close up of a wombat wrapped in a blanket
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Emergency wildlife help
Found a sick, injured or orphaned animal? Contact one of these groups to help.
Koala sitting in a tree enjoying eucalyptus leaves looking at camera
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Wildlife health and veterinary outreach
Responding to the needs of wildlife and delivering exceptional, evidence-based care.
PETstock logo with tagline "where pets are family"
Supported by

Zoos Victoria would like to acknowledge Petstock as the Official Welfare Partner, and thank Petstock for their ongoing support.

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