More than 30 staff from Zoos Victoria volunteered their time on Thursday 11 August 2011, by pulling on their gumboots and grabbing a shovel to plant 2000 new trees for critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeaters.

"This habitat in Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve is where the last naturally occurring population exists," Mr Glen Holland, Director, Healesville Sanctuary said. "Australia has the highest rate of extinction of mammals in the world, and the Helmeted Honeyeater continues to be under serious threat. Healesville Sanctuary is committed to helping save this unique and ecologically important species."

Experts believe there are less than 60 Helmeted Honeyeaters remaining in the wild.

"As a zoo-based conservation organisation, Healesville Sanctuary plays a major role in building enduring relationships between people and wildlife, and encouraging visitors to do the same," Mr Glen Holland, Director, Healesville Sanctuary said. "We believe allowing staff time to work in the field to rejuvenate the species' natural environment is just as critical as our breeding and recovery programs at Healesville Sanctuary."

The event is a community partnership with Yarra4Life, Judith Eardley Save Wildlife Association, DSE, Parks Victoria and Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater.