Perth Zoo houses around 1800 animals from 230 different species, looked after by a staff of about 120.

The changing role of education at Perth Zoo is intrinsically linked to the changing nature and mission of the Zoo itself.

Mission Statement

To advance the conservation of wildlife and to change community attitudes towards the preservation of life on earth 

Perth Zoo aims to provide experiences of wild animals which would otherwise be unavailable to people, and seeks to develop, through these experiences, positive community attitudes towards wildlife which benefit both society and the environment. This vision is reflected in the Perth Zoo's Mission.

Perth Zoo is administered by the Zoological Gardens Board of Western Australia. The Zoological Gardens Board is constituted under the authority of the Zoological Gardens Act, 1972.

Strategic Goals for Research

·         Perth Zoo will be internationally recognised as a provider of high quality scientific research which contributes to conservation.

·         Perth Zoo will continue to establish research collaborations with other zoos and research organisations.

·         Research will enhance existing educational programs within the Zoo and provide material on which to base new programs for educational presentations to the public.

·         Perth Zoo will be recognised by the tertiary education system as a provider of unique educational opportunities for research students and as a resource for teaching both undergraduate and graduate students.

·         Perth Zoo will publish timely and relevant high quality research in internationally recognised and peer reviewed journals.

Summary of Research Activities

Scientific research activities at Perth Zoo are a major focus of the Zoo's conservation activities. Perth Zoo has five specialist keepers, a Scientific Assistant to the Director of Research, a Conservation Geneticist and an Education/Communication Officer working within the Research section.

A building and upgrading program has expanded the facilities to enable a comprehensive captive breeding and research program on Western Australian native species to be initiated. Most of this work in the Zoo is now encapsulated within a specialist group within the research program called the Native Species Breeding Program (NSBP).

Perth Zoo continues to stengthen its collaborative links with important Western Australian institutions. In particular a strong linkage has been developed with the WA Department of Conservation and Land Management. As a result three new Western Australian species were brought into the Zoo research program; the Shark Bay Mouse, the Greater Stick-nest Rat and the Dibbler. Perth Zoo is also represented on recovery teams for the Numbat, Chuditch, Dibbler, Shark Bay Mouse and the Western Swamp Tortoise.

The Perth Zoo Society

The Perth Zoo Society is an independent, non-profit organisation which acts as the official fundraising arm of Perth Zoo. Its aim is to raise awareness of the Zoo and assist with the fulfilment of Perth Zoo's mission.