Sydney Zoo is set to achieve a remarkable conservation milestone with the upcoming release of five Eastern quoll joeys – a species that has been extinct on the Australian mainland for over 60 years. This rewilding initiative marks a major step in our mission to restore native species populations and support Australia’s fragile ecosystems – a significant accomplishment for a zoo that has only been operating for five years.
The Eastern quoll release will see these joeys transferred to a rewilding sanctuary in NSW, where they will be safely reintroduced into a predator-free environment. The sanctuary provides an ideal habitat, free from the threat of feral animals, giving the quolls the best chance to thrive. These joeys will play a vital role in regenerating the declining Eastern quoll population, helping restore balance to Australia’s ecosystems and offer hope for a brighter future for this extinct species.
The journey of these Eastern quolls began last year when Sydney Zoo welcomed a carefully selected breeding pair. Under the care of our expert team, the quolls were introduced to a habitat replicating their wild surroundings, complete with native grasses, climbing logs, and nesting options. In a testament to our dedicated team, the first-time mother gave birth to five healthy joeys – a remarkable feat, given that Eastern quoll females typically have only 2-4 young at a time.
“Watching these joeys grow and thrive has been incredibly rewarding for our entire team. Each day, we see them displaying more of the behaviours they’ll need to succeed in the wild. Their upcoming release is an emotional and proud moment for us, knowing these quolls will play an important role in restoring balance to the ecosystems,” said Kelly Davis, our Animal Care Manager.
As the quolls prepare for the release, they have undergone a crucial milestone – a health check. During this comprehensive examination, our vets have ensured that each quoll is ready to thrive in the wild.
With a clean bill of health, the five quoll joeys will be transported to the rewilding sanctuary in the coming weeks, where they’ll begin a new chapter in a safe, natural environment.
“The rewilding of the Eastern quoll signifies more than just the return of a single species; it’s a vital contribution to ecological balance,” said Liz Gerber, Conservation and Community Manager at Sydney Zoo. Eastern quolls, as natural carnivores, play an essential role in maintaining food web dynamics by controlling populations of small mammals, insects, and rodents. Their reintroduction offers hope for reversing some of the biodiversity loss Australia has suffered due to invasive predators and habitat degradation.
Once abundant in Australia, Eastern quolls vanished from the mainland by 1963, largely due to predation from invasive species like foxes and feral cats. By reintroducing these quolls, Sydney Zoo are giving native ecosystems a better chance to thrive again.
“This rewilding project is a testament to what Sydney Zoo can achieve in conservation, even as a young organisation. Rewilding a locally extinct species is an extraordinary milestone, not only for us but for Australia’s biodiversity as a whole. We’re proud to play a leading role in safeguarding Australia’s wildlife, and this project exemplifies our commitment to giving future generations the chance to experience the richness of our natural world,” said Jake Burgess, Managing Director of Sydney Zoo.
This release is just the beginning of our bold conservation journey, with several projects in the pipeline to help restore and safeguard wildlife. As we quickly establish ourselves as a forward-thinking conservation hub, we’re dedicated to pioneering efforts that support endangered species both locally and globally.
