The endangered Leadbeater's Possum, once considered to be extinct, is the Victorian State faunal emblem. Shortly after its rediscovery in 1960, naturalist Des Hackett began his successful quest to breed the animal in captivity.
Bred To Be Wild documents the work of Des Hackett, including his struggle with wildlife authorities after handing over thriving colonies of Leadbeater's Possum to zoos throughout Australia.
While initially, breeding programs were a great success and Leadbeater's Possum were sent to other zoos throughout the world, they were never released into the wild. Breeding programs have since stopped and only two individuals remain alive in captivity today.
"With just two Leadbeater's Possum left in captivity in Australia, the publication of this book is very timely. It will provoke public debate about the future management of this endangered species while at the same time provide a fascinating insight to the behaviour of the Leadbeater's Possum. It is a good read too."
Sera Blair
President - Friends of the Leadbeater's Possum Inc.
"Des Hackett worked tirelessly to provide zoos throughout the world with thriving colonies of Leadbeater's Possum. His dream, documented by this book, was to see his captive-bred Leadbeater's released into the wild. Unfortunately, the wild population is still on the decline as logging continues throughout much of their natural range and the species has become virtually extinct in captivity. We may have missed our opportunity to turn the tide of extinction for Victoria's State emblem."
David Swinson
Secretary - Upper Yarra Conservation Society
"This book questions the function of zoos in terms of conservationand exposes Australia's wildlife authorities as incompetent in terms of protecting our wildlife heritage. Would we allow this to happen to the panda or gorillas? When will we learn to truly appreciate our native wildlife?"
Maryland Wilson
President - Australian Wildlife Protection Council