Ecological collapse, extinction rebellion, climate catastrophe.
We hear a lot about these things nowadays. It's alarming stuff.
But then there's the uplifting news from organisations like Aussie Ark that are taking real action to tackle the problems of today and tomorrow.
Aussie Ark has raised millions of dollars to save threatened species since 2010, when it was initially known as Devil Ark. As we've previously reported, Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio pledged $1 million early this year through the US-based organisation Global Wildlife Conservation, following the devastating bushfires in Australia.
Aussie Ark has 2000 hectares of fenced, predator-proof sanctuaries in the Barrington Tops for animals like the Tasmanian devil, long-nosed potoroo and brush-tailed rock wallaby. The organisation has just released the eastern quoll into the Barrington Tops wildlife sanctuary for the first time.
Twenty-eight of the creatures were released. They are, in a way, rebelling against extinction. Well, Aussie Ark is helping them rebel, anyhow.
Eastern quolls became extinct in mainland Australia in the 1960s due to habitat fragmentation and predation from feral foxes, cats and domestic dogs.
Aussie Ark president Tim Faulkner said the 28 quoll joeys were "bred from a captive population".
The captive population was a form of insurance to ensure their survival.
It's the first time the eastern quoll has been in the Barrington Tops for more than 60 years.
Tim said the ultimate goal was to bolster the eastern quoll population and "rewild the Barrington Tops".
"The release of these 28 individuals is a massive step in the right direction."
Aussie Ark's fenced but wild sanctuary keeps out feral predators. It also provides healthy habitat for the native animals to survive, thrive and breed.
The organisation that DiCaprio partners with, Global Wildlife Conservation, supported the eastern quoll release.
"These kinds of historic releases are the result of the impressive long-term vision and commitment of the Aussie Ark team," said Don Church, president of Global Wildlife Conservation.
He backed Aussie's Ark's strategic reintroduction of "the right species in the right habitats".
"Aussie Ark is leading the way on rewilding Australia, restoring the ecosystems to their original state. This benefits not only the quolls, the ecosystems in which they live and Australia, but helps ensure a healthier planet for all life on Earth."
Hands Down
Tim Faulkner, who is Australian Reptile Park general manager and Aussie Ark president, posted this image on Instagram.
One is a human hand. The other is - you might have guessed it - an alligator's foot. How about those webbed toes?
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