Ancient Tortoise, 85, Champions WA Conservation

An 85-year-old western swamp tortoise, known as 'C12,' is a cornerstone of Perth Zoo's conservation efforts for the critically endangered species. This tortoise, one of the zoo's oldest residents, plays a significant role in boosting numbers, having sired 142 hatchlings. The species, only recorded once before its rediscovery in the 1950s, requires very specific wetland habitats, making them vulnerable to urban development.

Perth Zoo's breeding program, initiated in the late 1980s, has contributed to the birth of over 1300 western swamp tortoises, with most released into the wild. To mitigate threats from development in their native Swan Coastal Plains, new populations have been established in the Moore River Nature Reserve and Scott National Park.

Alongside the tortoises, Perth Zoo's native species breeding program also supports the numbat, WA's fauna emblem. Since the early 1990s, 325 captive-bred numbats have been released, significantly increasing their population from an estimated 300 in the late 1970s to between 2000 and 3000. Recent state government funding of $4.1 million over two years will facilitate the replacement of the current numbat breeding facility, increasing breeding capacity. Dr. Harriet Mills, the zoo's science program leader, finds immense satisfaction in participating in the release of these animals back into the wild.