There are ten recognised species of tree kangaroos Dendrolagus sp., found in the rainforests of Australia, Papua New Guinea and West Papua. Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s biodiversity ‘hotspots’, and one of three major tropical wilderness areas remaining on earth.

Tree kangaroos are largely threatened through habitat destruction from logging, mining and agriculture. These threats are exacerbated by over-hunting for meat and fur.

However, with over 95% of the land owned by indigenous people, decisions regarding land-use are made by village-based clan landowners and villagers. For this reason, the full co-operation and support of these landowners is essential before any conservation efforts can be successful.

Zoos SA supports both in situ and ex situ conservation of tree kangaroo species. Since 2006, Zoos SA has been strengthening the relationship with The Rainforest Habitat, in Lae. This facility displays fauna indigenous to Papua New Guinea, but has also been highly successful in the captive breeding of four tree kangaroo species. Technical assistance was provided by staff from Zoos SA (funded by Wildcare Institute, St Louis Zoo), initially with regard to the breeding records of the tree kangaroo species for the regional and international studbooks. However, the entire animal collection has now been entered and is maintained on ARKS, the electronic database developed by ISIS., with Adelaide Zoo providing a computer solely for the maintenance of these animal records, covering the costs of ISIS membership and providing ongoing technical support.

In December 2007, in appreciation of the continued support and commitment from ARAZPA institutions, The Rainforest Habitat funded one of their keepers on a ‘keeper exchange’ to Australia. Zoos Victoria and Currumbin Sanctuary, supported by Zoos SA personnel, combined to facilitate the further professional development of a keeper from The Rainforest Habitat, as this keeper was able to spend time at both Currumbin Sanctuary and Melbourne Zoo. There are plans for further staff exchanges to occur, targeting not only the animal keepers, but other professions within the zoo industry.

The Scott’s tree kangaroo D. scottae, or tenkile, is one of the most endangered mammals in the world, with estimates of only a few hundred animals remaining in the Torricelli Mountains of Papua New Guinea. Zoos SA supports the work of the Tenkile Conservation Alliance, in an advisory capacity, and with a single significant monetary donation. This organisation has been established to maximise the probability of long-term tenkile populations through increasing public awareness, the training of local people in the establishment of a protein replacement program, encouraging families to breed rabbits and chickens instead of hunting tree kangaroos, the tutoring in and application of science, and the establishment of the Torricelli Mountain Range – Sanduan Province as a conservation area.

Adelaide Zoo currently displays the only Matschie’s tree kangaroos D. matschei in Australia.