Australian Endangered Species Conservation Program
December 13, 2024
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Australian Endangered Species Conservation Program
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Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (CCWS) is proud to work with other institutions and ZAA (Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia) to support endangered species conservation programs with resident populations of both, Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) and little blue penguins (Eudyptula minor).
ZAA is an association that aims to lead zoos and aquariums of Australasia to work together in conservation efforts. Acting as a collective voice for zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and wildlife parks across Australasia to provide the highest standard of welfare for the animals under care. A major component of their work is the ‘Species Management Program (SMP).’ (Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) 2022)
The SMP coordinates over 100 species management programs at ZAA- accredited facilities in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Approaching these species management programs by looking at the animals under ZAA accredited care as one population helps to support genetic diversity and sustainable populations. It also allows ZAA to make recommendations concerning the management of the species and facilitate transfers among institutions. (Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) 2022)
In March 2023, CCWS collaborated with Taronga Zoo for an exciting transfer of two male Australian sea lions: Moby and Storm. A CCWS staff member headed to Taronga Zoo to learn all about Moby and, along with one of Moby’s carers, made the trip to Coffs Harbour together. Once Moby was settled in at CCWS, Storm made the trip to Taronga Zoo. During Moby’s stay at CCWS he spent time with 3 beautiful Australian sea lions females: Athena, Miri, and Adelaide. Fortnightly, voluntary ultrasounds have been conducted on those females to monitor any successful pregnancies and learn more about this enigmatic species’ anatomy and gestational physiology.
During this time both facilities had the opportunity to share knowledge about both individuals and the policies/procedures that support optimal animal welfare for the care of the species. This is what ZAA is all about; bringing members together to create an atmosphere where knowledge can be shared which in turn will aid in the continuous improvement of conservation, welfare, biosecurity, science, research, social and community programs.
Another exciting recent transfer involved the arrival of two little blue penguins to Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary; Biggie and Guiness from Sea Life Sunshine Coast. The addition of these two birds to the current population will aid in keeping the genetics fresh for upcoming breeding seasons by providing new breeding opportunities for the colony. These new opportunities provide the colony with an array of welfare benefits ranging from developing social bonds between pairs, laying/incubating eggs and rearing the chicks. Behaviours associated with parenting can be rewarding for the penguins which allows for optimal welfare outcomes.
CCWS does not currently have any breed-for-release programs for a few reasons. Firstly, breed-for-release programs often need to be completed in strictly controlled environments, like laboratories. Secondly, the species with which we participate in SMPs are not suitable for release. There have been some successful breed-for-release programs with other carnivorous mammals such as the Tasmanian devil. However, the success of a species being bred for release relies on many factors including parental input, social challenges, and health risks to existing populations. In Australian sea lions, during the rearing process, pups will spend a significant period with their mother learning essential skills for survival. Although they can still learn under human care, the range of behaviors will not reflect what is required for survival in the wild. For example, pups will learn extensive foraging strategies from their mother to promote survival. Pups reared under human care will lack these necessary foraging skills. Because Tasmanian devils are primarily scavengers, the olfactory drive to source food is innate which makes for more successful reintegration to the wild. Furthermore, Australian sea lions form strong social bonds and live in a colony structure. New individuals have a high chance of being displaced which reduces the individual’s chance of survival. Furthermore, bulls can be quite territorial and will attack and kills pups and juveniles that are not protected by their mothers. This introduces a prominent risk when introducing a young pup or juvenile to a colony when unaccompanied by a mother. Tasmanian devils do not face these challenges when being reintegrated into wild populations because they do not form strong social bonds and tend to only co-exist when feeding together or mating. Lastly, when introducing any individuals to a new population, there is a risk of introducing novel pathogens to which the others have not yet been exposed, which was highlighted as a concern when considering using captive born lions for reintroduction to support declining lion populations (Luke T.B. Hunter et al 2012).
Although the species management programs at CCWS do not result in release, they have numerous benefits for the conservation of these species. For example, CCWS provides a unique opportunity to support the advancement of understanding about about the species under care because the animals are trained using positive reinforcement. This means that they can be active participants in the advancement of knowledge through engaging experiences like ultrasounds, and research, such as gaining insight into diet preferences which could help inform fisheries. Additionally knowing the exact age of individuals can provide important information regarding the lifecycle of the species, furthering knowledge when considering the best course of action for conservation efforts. Currently, we are working closely with local veterinarian, Dr. Tiffany Sullivan, and senior sonographer Ashlee Blackford to conduct fortnightly ultrasounds on female Australian sea lions to gain insight into their reproductive cycle and gestational progression as much is still unknown about this endemic endangered species. The more we know, the more we can do to help conserve their declining wild populations.
It also affords the unique opportunity to advocate for the species as those under human care act as ambassadors for guests visiting facilities around Australasia. Visitors will often feel inspired seeing the animals up close and learning about the threats they face and feel compelled to support conservation efforts to save the species and their environment. Taking advantage of this, many facilities will spread conservation messages through presentations and interactions so guests will have the tools needed to alter their behaviours to benefit conservation.
Overall, at CCWS we are extremely proud to work together with other facilities to support species management programs, support improved welfare outcomes during reproduction, and advocate for wildlife through presentations leading to improved conservation outcomes.
References
Luke T.B. Hunter, Paua White, Phillipp Henschel, Laurence Frank, Cole Burton, Andrew Loveridge, Guy balme, Christine Breitenmoser and Urs Breitenmoser (2012) Walking with lions: why there is no role for captive-origin lions Panthera leo in species restoration | Oryx | Cambridge Core
Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia 2022 Species Programs accessed 20.10.2024 Species Programs (zooaquarium.org.au)
