27 July 2009
Zoo success with Addax breeding program

Werribee Open Range Zoo's great success with breeding the highly endangered Addax antelope will assist breeding programs at other Australian Zoos.

Today the Zoo's vet team conducted medical checks on two young female Addax that will be transported to Taronga Western Plains Zoo shortly for breeding purposes.

Senior veterinarian, Natalie Rourke, said the vet checks were part of the pre-transport procedures which included a short quarantine period. Then the Addax, Mary Alice and Mary Louise, will be ready for the journey to their new home in Dubbo, New South Wales.

The Addax is one of the rarest mammals in the world with only 'hundreds' estimated to be left in the wild.

Werribee Open Range Zoo has the largest Addax herd in Australasia with 21 animals. The Zoo has been successfully breeding the animals since 1993 and has bred 29 Addax in that time.

"These captive breeding programs are extremely important for preserving highly endangered species such as the Addax. With the growing destruction of animal habitats worldwide, these programs are becoming crucial for many animals' survival," Ms Rourke said.