Perth Zoo has embarked on an exciting new journey to save animals in the wild.

A new fundraising initiative, called Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA), was launched in June 2007 with the objective of supporting the conservation of threatened species.

Around the world modern zoos, including Perth Zoo, are playing an increasing role in working beyond their borders and taking action to ensure that zoos won't be the final resting place for thousands of threatened species in the world today.

In line with this new direction, Perth Zoo's stated purpose is to use its resources to help secure long term populations of species in natural environments while engaging the community in global conservation action.

As a testament to this, Perth Zoo's successful Sumatran Orang-utan breeding program saw the first captive born Orang-utan released into the wild, into the protected area of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Sumatra.

Wildlife Conservation Action provides the community with the opportunity to contribute to a fund that supports the conservation of priority species in the wild including Sumatran Orang-utans, Sumatran Tigers, Sumatran Elephants and Javan Gibbons.

Other species that have been identified within our region include the New Guinea Tree Kangaroo, Cambodian Sun Bear and further afield, the African Painted Dog.

On a local scale, research will be conducted into the devastating Chytrid fungus that is sweeping across our native amphibian populations, particularly frogs.  

Money raised through Wildlife Conservation Action will help us directly support these and other priority species in the wild and enable the community to become an important link in the conservation chain.

Did you know...

• More than 1,500 Australian animals and plants are threatened with extinction
• Two Australian frog species have been lost to the deadly and highly contagious Chytrid fungus in recent years, with over 50% of Australia's threatened frog species infected with the fungus
• It is estimated that as few as 7,300 Sumatran Orang-utans are left in the wild
• There are now fewer than 500 Sumatran Tigers left in the wild
• Found only in Papua New Guinea, as few as 200 Tenkile Tree Kangaroos remain in the wild
• The African Painted Dog, once widespread across Africa, is now reduced to small, scattered populations totalling no more than 2,500 individuals 

How you can help

Purchase any Wildlife Conservation Action merchandise or gift items and proceeds support vital on the ground projects such as an Orang-utan sanctuary, habitat protection, anti-poaching patrol units, wildlife monitoring and research. 

A WCA gift card is the perfect gift idea for the person that has everything. They are available in several denominations from as little as $5 to $100 and are all tax deductible.  For further information call (08) 9474 0350.

Wildlife Conservation Action merchandise is now available from Perth Zoo and include adult t-shirts, funky bright kid's shirts, bucket hats and baseball caps.

ZOOm! - Get revved up for conservation with Perth Zoo licence plates. For just $250 a set  you'll be making a statement for conservation.

You can make a donation through any Commonwealth Bank branch, in person at Perth Zoo, by calling (08) 9474 0350 or by completing the attached donation slip.

Workplace giving is another easy and efficient way of supporting Wildlife Conservation Action and the threatened species it is trying to help. Click here to download a Workplace Giving form.

With all administration costs for Wildlife Conservation Action covered by Perth Zoo, 100% of all donations received are directed to these important conservation projects. All receipted donations of $2 or more are fully tax deductible within Australia.

Every donation and every dollar helps:

$10 can provide one rescued orang-utan with nutritritional food for one week

$30 can buy a pair of boots for a member of an anti-poaching unit in Sumatra or Africa

$50 can fund the wage of a Wildlife Monitoring Leader - local people trained to lead Tree Kangaroo surveys in the mountains - for a week in Papua New Guinea

$70 can contribute to life saving veterinary supplies including anaesthetics, anti-biotics and vitamins/minerals for African Painted Dogs in Africa

$100 can help purchase vital wildlife monitoring equipment

$200 can help buy an anti-snare and radio collar for an African Painted Dog

$500 can build a research hut at a wildlife monitoring site in Papua New Guinea

To get in on the action, download a fundraising pack for your school, workplace or community group by visiting the WCA Supporters Page or alternatively contact Carol, Perth Zoo's Fundraising Officer on (08) 9474 0359.

Other ways you can support Wildlife Conservation Action include:

• Making a Bequest 
• Donating through a Workplace Giving scheme
• Displaying a donation tin and posters in your workplace or school