Bilby Release Update 

Here at the release site, the early summer heat has been unprecedented and it has been unbelievably hot. It’s simply too inhospitable for our current crèche bilbies to start their new lives at Currawinya National Park and be given the best chance to thrive.

They need time to establish their burrows and feeding routines before the heat rises (usually Jan/Feb), but this early heatwave means we’ve missed our intended release window for the first group. Bilbies are exceptionally well adapted to harsh conditions, but we must remember that these animals have been selectively bred in captivity and need time to adapt and acclimatise to life in the wild.

We have to look at keeping them in the crèche longer. So, we need to order more supplementary food and provide ongoing care in our crèche for all of them this summer.

We need to expand our crèche holding capacity, stock up on food, do vet checks and we’re still actively and successfully breeding bilbies for future release.

Having to postpone, while disappointing ... and costly … is the right decision in the best interests of our bilbies and to set this project up for success. I sincerely appreciate and value your support and understanding.

Kevin Bradley
Chief Executive Officer
Save the Bilby Fund