Media Releases

Aussie Ark Partners with WIRES in Landmark Partnership for Australian Wildlife

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

• WIRES has granted Aussie Ark $1,045,000 to support the long-term recovery of native threatened wildlife 
• The funds will be directed towards the support of species recovery and habitat programs
• The powerhouse partnership between two of Australia’s most vital conservation organisations will deliver on the ground conservation outcomes for wildlife

Aussie Ark is thrilled to announce its partnership with WIRES, Australia’s largest animal rescue organisation, who recently granted the amount of $1,045,000 to the conservation organisation. Aussie Ark is committed to providing long term futures for Australia’s threatened wildlife and WIRES generous support will have a considerable impact on the deliverance of Aussie Ark’s conservation efforts. 

In the wake of the devastating bushfires spawning from the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2020, Aussie Ark and WIRES were at the forefront of the crisis and have been faced with the loss of Australian native species at an unprecedented rate, in addition to the long-term environmental issues of the crisis. As billions of animals perished in the fires and their habitats suffered tremendous damages, the two organisations stood out by their proactive on-the-ground relief actions. 

WIRES have a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, assist in the recovery and preserve Australian wildlife, and has been doing so for over 30 years. Its ongoing support of smaller organisations having the same mission and values makes WIRES a predominant player in the wildlife recovery community. Now looking at long-term recovery initiatives for the conservation of imperilled wildlife and habitats, the New South Wales based organisation’s partnership with Aussie Ark is a step in the right direction.

“My team and I are looking forward to working closely with WIRES,” says Aussie Ark President Tim Faulkner. “By joining forces with WIRES, Aussie Ark will be able to increase twofold its efforts and outcomes towards the long-term recovery and conservation of native threatened fauna and their habitat.”  

WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor states: “The rate of decline of so many native animal species is nothing short of alarming. We are so grateful that organisations such as Aussie Ark are committed to making a difference. Their efforts in protecting Australia’s rich fauna diversity will help ensure our unique native wildlife is sustained for future generations.”

Aussie Ark is now in a unique position of being “project-ready” and has thus put in place an ambitious plan with the objective of delivering multiple projects within the next few years. Among others, the organisation wishes to expand the number of threatened species under its care and thereby its species breeding programs to establish robust insurance populations for eventual reintroduction into the wild. Aussie Ark is also committed to rescue Australian native species from a foreseeable demise, in part, by means of survey, monitoring and in-situ management.

WIRES funds will be directed towards the support of species recovery and habitat programs. Species such as the Koala, Davies’ Tree frog and Broad-toothed rat will benefit from these programs in the short and long-term, as one of many aims is to maintain genetic and biological diversity in their population, as well as bolster their populations’ numbers. 

Aussie Ark is grateful for the support of WIRES, and together with partners Global Wildlife Conservation, NSW Government and Glencore, the duo are expected to achieve great things for wildlife conservation. 

About Aussie Ark

As a not for profit organisation, Aussie Ark raises the necessary funds to continue its ambitious vision. Investment allows for the construction of captive facilities and predator proof fencing on semi-wild parcels of land. Aussie Ark is a registered environmental organisation and charitable institution under the Australian Charity and Not-for-Profit Commission. Aussie Ark has deductible gift recipient status (DGR status) and is registered for GST purposes. More information at www.aussieark.org.au

About WIRES

WIRES, Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation, has been rescuing and caring for native animals 365 days a year for almost 35 years. WIRES’ mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same. WIRES operates a dedicated Wildlife Rescue Office assisting the community and wildlife 7 days a week, and have 28 regional branches with over 3,000 volunteers involved in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, information and education. Annually, WIRES provide rescue advice and assistance for tens of thousands of sick, injured, orphaned and displaced animals and run around 100 wildlife training courses for thousands of participants. In the wake of the devastating 2019/2020 emergency events, WIRES began providing significant national support for wildlife, supporting over 240 projects to assist with wildlife rescue and care across every state and territory. WIRES are also working with major partners to support the long-term recovery of wildlife habitat and the long-term preservation of native species in the wild nationally.

Media enquiries:

WIRES

John Grant

media@wires.org.au

0416 272 153

Media enquiries: 

Aussie Ark 

Brodie Chiswick 

admin@aussieark.org.au

0431 085 913

Contact media@wires.org.au for enquiries or call 0416 272 153.

For the latest updates on bushfire recovery projects and emergency response
Read WIRES Emergency Recovery Plan and WIRES National Emergency Response Plan