The Helmeted Honeyeater, Lichenostomus melanops cassidix, is Critically Endangered. There are currently three small semi-wild populations established in remnant streamside swamp forest to the east of Melbourne.
Zoos Victoria has been involved in the captive breeding of Helmeted Honeyeaters since the Recovery Program began in 1989. This commitment continues today.
VIDEO - Helmeted Honeyeaters - Road to Recovery: the latest release of captive-bred birds to the wild
The Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Program focuses on increasing the number of Helmeted Honeyeaters in the wild and reducing potential threats, with the aim of establishing a stable wild population with at least ten distinct but inter-connected colonies.
Zoos Victoria's key roles in the recovery of the Helmeted Honeyeater are to:
Zoos Victoria staff are also involved in the translocation and reintroduction of captive-bred birds to the wild and monitoring their survival after release.
VIDEO - Bird Keeper Karina Cartwright talks about Healesville Sanctuary's captive breeding program for the Helmeted Honeyeater
Once widespread across south-eastern Victoria, the Helmeted Honeyater is now Critically Endangered due to habitat loss. The Recovery Program focuses on re-establishing several wild populations of Helmeted Honeyeaters.
Find out more
Intensive research by the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team is focused on sustaining the last two wild populations of this Critically Endangered species.
Find out more
