David Fleay Wildlife Park is rapidly developing its reputation as Queensland's Campus of Excellence for research into threatened species. Captive breeding programs have resulted in the 'resurrection' of the mahogany glider, a small rainforest marsupial presumed extinct for over 100 years.

A thriving colony of the gliders has been bred, and plans are underway to
reintroduce them to the wild. A unique aspect of this research and breeding program has been the use of infra-red cameras in each glider pair nesting box. As a result, the first ever pictures of courtship, mating, birth and “joey rearing” have been captured right here at David Fleays Wildlife Park!

The glider is shy and nocturnal, but thanks to the pioneering work at the park, we now know much more about its behaviour. The Eastern Bristlebird is another species undergoing intensive study at David Fleays Wildlife Park. With less than 50 birds left in the wild, the eastern bristlebird could be
wiped out without the dedicated research and breeding program underway at the park.

A captive breeding program has been designed for The Northern Bettong, and the park's small colony of koalas is contributing to a large scale reproductive study to help us better understand and care for our native animals.

Specialised education programs have also been tailored to showcase the research facilities at David Fleays Wildlife Park. Aimed at the senior secondary and tertiary sectors, the Research in Action program offers students a unique glimpse into the challenges involved in restoring and assisting threatened species.