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FE ANIMAL FEATURE
FE DOG SQUAD
Dogs have been man's best friend for centuries, providing a helping paw for all sorts of jobs. At
Zoos Victoria, we've been working with Maremmas as part of a unique trial to determine if they
can protect threatened species. In addition, we're working with Detection Dogs to help locate
threatened species in the wild. These clever dogs are now part of Zoos Victoria's Dog Squad – a
new era of conservation.
Detection Dogs will also be
working to help locate the
critically endangered Plains-
wanderer in the wild. Werribee
Open Range Zoo recently became
Ground Zero for this unique
species with the team launching
a captive breeding program. The
purpose-built Plains-wanderer
aviaries have officially opened and
received their first residents, with
a total of four birds, one female
and three males, now calling the
Zoo home.
With so much still unknown about
this unique species, the Plains-
wanderer needs all the help it can
get and these Detection Dogs will
be a big step forward in unlocking
the secrets of this species.