Insurance Breeding Programs
A Safety Net for Wildlife
Why insurance populations matter
Australia is facing an extinction crisis. More than 500 of our native species are threatened, many pushed to the brink by habitat destruction, feral predators and disease.
Aussie Ark’s Insurance Populations Breeding Programs are a lifeline. These programs safeguard endangered species by creating secure, genetically diverse populations that act as an “insurance policy” against extinction. Each program is carefully designed to strengthen numbers, protect genetic health, and provide safe havens where species can thrive.
By building these insurance populations, Aussie Ark ensures animals have a fighting chance - not just in our facilities, but ultimately back in the wild.
A Safe Haven for Survival
Aussie Ark’s Breeding Programs are purpose-built to give endangered wildlife the best possible chance at survival. By housing animals in large, natural enclosures free from feral predators and disease, these programs replicate wild conditions while ensuring safety and stability. Carefully managed breeding strengthens genetic diversity, and every new generation raised within the programs brings species one step closer to recovery. The outcome is more than survival, it is the rebuilding of robust, self-sustaining populations that can one day repopulate their natural homes and restore ecosystems under threat.
Tasmanian Devil Insurance Population
Once on the fast track to extinction, Tasmanian Devils now have a second chance through Aussie Ark. We manage the largest mainland breeding facility for disease-free devils in the world, safeguarding a vital insurance population. Each animal is carefully paired to protect genetic diversity, with every birth strengthening the species’ future.
But the battle is far from over. Wild populations in Tasmania continue to be devastated by Devil Facial Tumour Disease, and the species remains at serious risk. Young devils raised in our program are released into vast wild sanctuaries, where they take a critical step in restoring balance to Australia’s ecosystems. Aussie Ark is on the frontline of devil conservation; without action, these remarkable animals could still be lost forever.
More Than Devils
Building on the success of the Tasmanian Devil breeding program, Aussie Ark expanded in 2017 to safeguard a wider range of endangered species across two conservation facilities, Aussie Ark in Tomalla and Conservation Ark in Somersby, along with a network of sanctuaries. Eastern Quolls, Long-Nosed Potoroos, Parma Wallabies, Bettongs, Manning River Turtles and more now call these sites home. Each breeding program is carefully tailored to the unique needs of the species, from specialised diets to nesting environments, ensuring every animal is healthy, resilient, and ready to help restore Australia’s ecosystems.
From Breeding to Rewilding
Breeding is just the beginning. The ultimate goal is always reintroduction. Animals raised in Aussie Ark’s breeding programs form the core of rewilding p
Every joey, pup or hatchling raised is a step towards restoring wild populations, rebalancing ecosystems, and giving Australia’s bush its heartbeat back.
The Species We Protect
Tasmanian Devils
Eastern Quolls
Long-nosed Potoroos
Parma Wallabies
Plus many more
Learn about the marsupials, mammals, reptiles and snakes that call Aussie Ark home.
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.
