Species Recovery Unit
About the Species Recovery Unit
A Hub for Saving Australia’s Most Threatened Marsupials
The Species Recovery Unit, built in 2011, is the beating heart of Aussie Ark and our flagship site for wildlife conservation. It was created with a bold vision, to step up and take real action in the face of Australia’s extinction crisis.
Here, some of our most threatened marsupials, including Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls, Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallabies, and several species of small macropods, are given the chance at a future. The Species Recovery Unit breeds genetically diverse, behaviourally prepared populations that are not only surviving, but building the foundations for species recovery.
In the Species Recovery Unit, animals are raised in large, naturalistic enclosures designed to keep their wild instincts strong. From here, they take the next step into predator-free sanctuaries, where they live wild, restore ecosystems, and help secure a lasting future for their kind.
Why the Species Recovery Unit Matters
Australia’s wildlife faces one of the highest extinction rates in the world. Many native mammals have already disappeared, and without urgent action, more will follow.
The Species Recovery Unit is where we’re changing the odds. By combining world-class breeding with naturalistic, semi-wild environments, the Species Recovery Unit produces strong, resilient animals that are ready for life in the wild. Every release strengthens the populations inside Aussie Ark’s sanctuaries and brings us closer to re-establishing these species across their former ranges.
At the SRU, every detail matters. Careful founder selection, genetic screening, and pedigree tracking ensure robust, adaptable populations. Some animals remain as part of our insurance population, while their offspring are released to live wild. Together, they form a long-term safety net against extinction.
At A Glance
Location – Situated beside Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary in the NSW Barrington Tops region, at the heart of Aussie Ark’s rewilding work.
Species Focus – Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls, Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallabies, Parma Wallabies, Rufous Bettongs, and Potoroos.
Semi-Wild Enclosures – Purpose-built enclosures encourage natural behaviours, preparing animals for release.
Genetic Management – Careful founder selection and monitoring create strong, resilient populations.
Rewilding Pathway – Breeds and supplies animals for release into predator-free sanctuaries, bridging intensive care and wild recovery.
Long-Term Strategy – Provides the foundation for Aussie Ark’s mission to restore ecosystems and re-establish species across their natural range.
How You Can Help
You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.
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Donate
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Adopt
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Visit
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Shop
Browse the range of environmental gifts in our online store and buy an impactful gift for your special someone.
The importance of rewilding
Find out more about our Rewilding Programs to understand how sanctuaries like this are crucial to the survival of endangered Australian species.
Get involved and support our mission
Shop, adopt, or experience the Sanctuary for yourself through one of our educational tour experiences. Get involved today, and help us work towards a better tomorrow.
