Newcrest Mining Limited has recently announced its support for Port Moresby Nature Park, by funding the construction of a much-needed rescue and breeding facility at Nature Park, which will enable the conservation of endangered tree kangaroos.
The three year partnership comes after Newcrest learned of the valuable work the Nature Park does in the rescue, rehabilitation and breeding of tree kangaroos and the Park’s recent challenges to expand conservation work during COVID-19.
Newcrest’s Chief Operating Officer in PNG, Craig Jones says PNG has such an extraordinarily diverse range of flora and fauna, and Newcrest is pleased to be able to contribute to the conservation and protection of the tree kangaroo species through the funding of this new facility.
PNG is home to 12 of the 14 tree kangaroo species found on the Island of New Guinea and Australia. Most tree kangaroos are vulnerable to extinction due to hunting and habitat destruction. As a result, there are a number of PNG species now classified as endangered or critically endangered, with fears of extinction in the decades to come.
Port Moresby Nature Park’s CEO, Michelle McGeorge said the Park is grateful to partner with Newcrest to save tree kangaroos.
“The Nature Park is committed to PNG’s wildlife and as our organization has grown so too has our important work in wildlife rescue, research, and conservation,” said McGeorge.
The support from Newcrest will enable the Nature Park to construct a new K400,000 tree kangaroo rescue and breeding centre that will house up to 18 individuals, in addition to the 13 tree kangaroos that already call the Nature Park home. The Nature Park currently houses three different species of tree kangaroos including the endangered Matchies, Goodfellows and the vulnerable Doria’s Tree Kangaroo. The new tree kangaroo rescue centre would enable the Nature Park to house other species in future.
“This is a vital step towards the Park being able to contribute to the research of tree-kangaroos whilst housing surrendered animals in a purpose-built facility. It will also enable the Park to work towards breeding for release program, which will contribute to the numbers of tree kangaroos in the wild,” McGeorge added.
The Port Moresby Nature Park is dedicated to inspiring in others the guardianship of PNG’s unique natural environment and culture. As a charity organization that relies on grants and donor funding to operate, your visit to the park and joining its Annual Membership Program, help support the Park’s efforts in preserving PNG’s unique natural environment for future generations, including the Park’s 550 resident animals, majority of which have been surrendered to the Park for care.
