Each year, we carry out a bilby census inside our predator exclusion fence to monitor the population and track the progress of our recovery program. In 2024, the census took place over five nights, with teams working from late afternoon through to the early hours of the morning. Staff, volunteers and veterinary team members all played an important role, helping to check and reset traps, handle bilbies safely, scan microchips, and record each animal’s weight and measurements.
Our 2025 Census showed that more than 700 bilbies are now thriving behind the fence. Together with our breeding facility, this success allows us to build the captive population further, with bilbies being transported from wildlife parks around Australia to Currawinya for release within the predator-proof fence. Because the bilbies are doing so well in this protected environment, we have now reached the exciting stage where translocation outside the fence can begin, with this important next step happening in July 2026.