2021
2019
Sculpture at MRCC launched
Swan Valley artist, Peter Graham, completed and installed a magnificent sculpture in the grounds of our sponsor, the Margaret River Chocolate Company.
2019
2018
Major tortoise release
73 western swamp tortoises were released in the largest return to the wild to date.
2018
Feral proof fence added to new area of Ellen Brook nature Reserve
2018
2017
‘Westy the Western Swamp Tortoise’
book is published by committee member Cathy Levett, aimed at Early Years children.
2016
Experimental tortoise translocation
For the first time, tortoises were released in an area where they hadn’t historically been found, to investigate their potential for survival under a changing climate.
2016
2014
Release of the 500th Western Swamp Tortoise bred by Perth Zoo
The 10th anniversary of the formation of the Friends group (July).
2013
Celebrated 50 years of scientific monitoring of the tortoise
65-year-old female ‘Tortoise Number 4’ (still fertile) was recaptured and briefly on display at the celebration.
2013
2012
Total of 32 juveniles released at Twin Swamps NR.
2011
Progress made in the refurbishment of Perth Zoo’s captive breeding facility.
Plus the release of 60 juvenile tortoises – half to Moore River NP and half to Twin Swamps NR, with the latter event attended by the WA Environment Minister.
2011
2010
Release of further 15 tortoises at Moore River NP
…with 10 returned to zoo due to poor winter rains in the following month. Discovery of 3 new hatchlings (wild born) at Ellen Brook NR.
2009
Tortoises released at Moore River NP.
2009
2007-2008
Release of 48 captive bred juvenile tortoises at Mogumber NR.
2005
Record number (75) of tortoises bred during this year at Perth Zoo
…which won the national ‘In-situ Conservation Award’ for its efforts; 54 animals released to reserves.
2005
2004
Formation of Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise group
2001
Further releases of captive bred tortoises at Mogumber NR
2001
2000
New population established (from captive bred animals)
at Mogumber Nature Reserve, north of Perth
1994
Re-introduction of captive-bred tortoises starts at Twin Swamps Nature Reserve
1994
1992
Western Swamp Tortoise Recovery Plan formulated by Recovery Team
1991
Responsibility for the captive breeding program transferred to Perth Zoo
…with G. Kuchling continuing to provide help and advice.
1991
1990
Western Swamp Tortoise Management Program published and Western Swamp Tortoise Recovery Team established
A collaboration between Perth Zoo, CALM, UWA, Curtin University and WWF.
1988
Gerald Kuchling sets up a captive breeding program at Perth Zoo, with funding from WWF-Australia, CALM and Perth Zoo
Under direction of the Western Swamp Tortoise Captive Breeding Management Committee (CALM, UWA, Perth Zoo).
1988
1985
Twin Swamps population nearly extinct; species down to 30-50 surviving animals
1973
Biologist Gerald Kuchling sees the museum specimen in Vienna
He was employed as research assistant in the Museum from 1973-1975.
1973
1972
Single juvenile specimen collected at Five Mile Swamp at southern end of Perth Airport land.
1962
Twin Swamps & Ellenbrook Nature Reserves established to protect estimated wild population of 200-250
1962
1953
Rediscovered by schoolboy Robert Boyd in Upper Swan
Two specimens taken to WA Naturalists’ Club Show.
1901
Scientifically described and named Pseudemydura umbrina by Siebenrock
1901
1839
First specimen sent to the Vienna Museum of Natural History by J.A. Ludwig Preiss
He collected in south-western Australia from 1839 to 1841.