Perth Zoo Science Program

A small turtle hatchling curled up on a hand

A western swamp tortoise hatchling. Photo by DBCA

About Perth Zoo Science

The Perth Zoo Science Program undertakes targeted research to support the breed-for-release programs for six threatened species.

The program also addresses knowledge gaps in our understanding of behaviour, reproductive biology, and conservation medicine for the species in Perth Zoo’s collection, and a smaller number of species in the wild. The research program also involves projects dealing with environmental communication and socio-ecology.

Our research mission is to significantly contribute to the conservation of threatened species through applied scientific research. We collaborate with various universities and external researchers to increase collective knowledge of the natural world.

Perth Zoo has fostered research for many years. Our position of importance in Perth, the expertise of our staff and the conservation/environmental imperatives facing our world ensure that the Zoo is well-placed to take a lead role as a conservation, research and learning institution.

Our people


Harriet Mills	Perth Zoo Science Program Leader
Belinda Laming	Supervisor, Perth Zoo Science
Vicki Power	Senior Technical Officer
Lisa Mantellato	Senior Technical Officer
Kerry Ryan	Senior Technical Officer
Karen Cavanagh	Technical Officer
Helena Glinski	Technical Officer
Tammy Goad	Technical Officer
Chantel Cameron	Technical Officer
Renee Bauhofer	Technical Officer

Dunnart at Julimar State Forest. Photo by G Anderson

Animal Science Program

Research program to understand the factors and processes critical to the conservation of WA’s unique native fauna.

Murchison Gorge, Kalbarri National Park. Photo by H.Ensikat

Biodiversity Information Office

Making Western Australian biodiversity data more discoverable, accessible, and usable.

Ecosystem Science Program

Research program to understand the environmental, ecological and biogeographical processes that determine the conservation values, health and productivity of the lands and inland waters managed by the department.

An experimental burn moving slowly through the understory of an open forest

Fire Science Program

Research to inform fire management and biodiversity conservation in Western Australia.

A scientist sitting in an arid landscape with surverying equipment to their right

Kings Park Science Program

Research program in native plant biology and ecology, ex situ conservation, and ecological restoration, informing the conservation and management of Western Australia's biodiversity and ecosystems.

outhern right whales at Point Ann, Fitzgerald River National Park. Photo by Peter Nicholas/DBCA

Marine Science Progam

Science program to undertake marine research and monitoring to support and improve the scientific basis for the conservation and management of WA’s marine protected areas, threatened and protected marine fauna and marine biodiversity.

Verticordia insignis subsp. insignis. Photo by Kevin Thiele/DBCA

Plant Science and Herbarium Program

Research, collections management and biodiversity knowledge program to create and disseminate new knowledge on the diversity, distribution, evolution and ecology of the state’s flora.

False colour images showing how the same landscape is imaged by different sensors from a drone.

Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Program

Research program to integrate the science and application of remote sensing and spatial analysis into departmental programs.

Rivers and Estuaries Science Program

Research program to undertake and support research across a wide range of disciplines to address knowledge gaps and inform management of the Swan Canning Riverpark.

Close up of a small black triangular seed in the dirty palm of a researcher

Species and Communities Program

Species and Communities Program coordinates the listing, management and recovery of threatened species, ecological communities and wetlands.