Joint media release: Critical boost for wildlife facilities to prepare for H5 bird flu

29 January 2026

Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator The Hon Murray Watt
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, The Hon Julie Collins MP

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $1.9 million to protect captive threatened species from the threat of H5 avian influenza (bird flu).

From eastern quolls and the New Holland mouse to the helmeted honeyeater and Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle – across the country critical populations of native species are being safeguarded.

While Australia is currently free from the serious and contagious H5 bird flu, this strain is causing mass mortalities in birds and some types of mammals overseas.

Options for direct action to protect threatened species in the wild from a potential outbreak are limited, so protecting captive species populations is a crucial investment.

This second funding round is part of $5 million being delivered to the Zoo and Aquarium Association, with this round helping to protect 26 threatened species across 21 facilities nationwide.

This funding is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s broader $100 million investment to prepare for H5 bird flu. This includes $35.9 million for environment measures.

Facilities to benefit from the second round of funding are: 

  • Adelaide Zoo (South Australia)
  • Aussie Ark (New South Wales)
  • Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park (New South Wales)
  • Cleland Wildlife Park (South Australia)
  • Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (New South Wales)
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Queensland)
  • Devils@Cradle (Tasmania)
  • East Coast Natureworld (Tasmania)
  • Healesville Sanctuary (Victoria)
  • Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre (Western Australia)
  • Monarto Safari Park (South Australia)
  • Melbourne Zoo (Victoria)
  • Moonlit Sanctuary (Victoria)
  • Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve (Australian Capital Territory)
  • Perth Zoo (Western Australia)
  • Priam Psittaculture Centre (New South Wales)
  • Raptor Refuge (Tasmania)
  •  Sea World Gold Coast (Queensland)
  • Tasmania Zoo
  • Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary (New South Wales)
  • Werribee Open Range Zoo (Victoria).

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt:

“Australia remains the only continent free from H5 bird flu, highlighting the importance and urgency of the work currently underway across the country to prepare our most at-risk species and priority biodiversity.

“This funding will allow facilities to undertake critical preparations, such as installing wild bird preventions on enclosures, upgrading veterinary equipment and undertaking biosecurity training for staff.

“This funding builds on the substantial investments already made by the Albanese Labor Government in protecting and recovering threatened biodiversity.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“This funding is an important part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $100 million investment to strengthen our surveillance, preparedness and response capability for H5 bird flu, to support Australia’s agricultural industries and wildlife.

“Captive breeding programs are a vital safety net for Australia's most threatened species.

“They help boost wild populations, maintain genetic diversity, and give our unique wildlife a fighting chance for the future.”