Become a wildlife defender

Become a wildlife defender

Help save species from extinction.

There has never been a more important time to defend and protect the world’s most vulnerable wildlife.

Become a Taronga Wildlife Defender to ensure you are always there when your favourite animals need you.

A recent United Nations report outlined the risk that our planet’s plants and animals face, with up to one million species at risk of extinction within decades. 

Here in Australia, recent bushfires and extreme weather have wiped out over one billion native Australian animals and much of their habitat. The need for wildlife conservation is more critical and urgent now than ever.

Your regular gift protects wildlife.
Your regular gift protects wildlife.

Your monthly donation as a Taronga Wildlife Defender enables us to plan months and years into the future, and put vital long-term conservation strategies in place. 

Your ongoing generosity will fund critical conservation programs for the world’s most endangered species, including:

  • Rescue, rehabilitation and re-release of sick or injured animals
  • Education to empower people to protect animals
  • Scientific research into wildlife conservation
  • Breeding programs to preserve and protect species
  • Innovative projects that create a shared future for wildlife and people
Donate now

All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible for Australian residents.

Protect precious wildlife here in Australia.
Protect precious wildlife here in Australia.

Australian wildlife has never experienced a more challenging time.

In the tragic bushfires, drought and extreme heat of 2019 and 2020, over 1 billion animals perished, and large areas of habitat were destroyed. A huge number of animals were admitted to Taronga’s Wildlife Hospitals, and many already fragile species were impacted. In fact, even before the bushfires, it was estimated that our iconic Koala could be extinct by 2050, and their situation has suddenly become a lot worse.

Thanks to Wildlife Defenders, Taronga was able to provide emergency shelter and medical care to animals impacted by the fires, including koalas, platypuses and orphaned flying foxes.
However, helping wildlife recover will take many years of hard work and community support.

Taronga is working with key conservation partners to identify the most important sites to restore habitat for impacted species, and is committed to supporting the development of a koala breeding sanctuary to rebuild koala populations. We also plan to lead zoo-based breeding programs to repopulate other species impacted by the fires and drought including the Regent Honeyeater, Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby and amphibian species.

With your regular donations as a Wildlife Defender, our Australian wildlife can recover.

Defend endangered species around the world.
Defend endangered species around the world.

Your regular gift powers vital work on the ground in countries where endangered species are fighting for survival. Taronga works with local conservation partners to protect these vulnerable animals and habitats, and help create a shared future for wildlife and people.

One such country is Indonesia, where Sumatra is a biodiversity hotspot of critical importance. Threats like deforestation and poaching have driven some species, like the Sumatran Tiger and Sumatran Rhino, to near extinction.

Taronga is taking a 360 degree approach to wildlife conservation in Sumatra, which means focusing on wildlife, habitats and communities.

Your regular donations will fund on-the-ground conservation work in Sumatra’s Way Kambas National Park, one of the largest intact habitats left for these beautiful animals. This work includes protecting the remaining habitat, reforestation, and anti-poaching units to defend vulnerable animals. 

Your regular gift will give endangered species around the globe a fighting chance.