Kanyana Wildlife wins conservation award for woylie breeding program

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (Australasia) recently presented a conservation award to the native animal rescue centre.

Kanyana’s woylie breeding program has flourished since it began in 2012 to boost populations of the rare marsupial.

Woylies once roamed much of southern Australia, but cats, foxes and habitat loss have reduced their range to a few fenced and protected areas.

The not-for profit’s woylie co-ordinator Sandy Tomas said recognition by a peak wildlife body showed Kanyana was on par with major breeding organisations.

“Woylies are difficult animals to manage in a breeding context,” she said.

“They are nervous by nature, easily spooked and explosively fast when they feel threatened.”

Ms Tomas said they use their tails to transport nesting materials and thrive on fungi.

“They are connoisseurs of our native truffles,” she added.

The Zoo and Aquarium Association is the peak standards body for zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks in Australia and New Zealand.

To support Kanyana, visit www.kanyanawildlife.org.au.