This is the largest release of fledglings into the wild and follows another successful captive breeding season at Healesville Sanctuary. The birds will be supported in the wild by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria and volunteers.

Healesville Sanctuary Director John Gibbons said:
"The team at Healesville Sanctuary has learned so much about captive breeding and caring for this secretive little bird since Zoos Victoria first became involved 20 years ago.

If it wasn't for the long-standing commitment and enduring cooperative approach of government, the local community and groups such as the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, achieving the long-term goal of bringing this species back from the brink of extinction would not be possible.

The situation is critical as it is estimated that there are no more than 80 Helmeted Honeyeaters left in the wild."