Another 11 captive-bred Helmeted Honeyeaters were released into Bunyip State Park on Friday 6 May.

Researchers hope the release will be a significant boost for Victoria's bird emblem. The young birds, seven of them bred at Healesville Sanctuary and four produced at Taronga Zoo during the 2010/2011 breeding season, will be supported in the wild by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Parks Victoria and volunteer groups such as Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater and Friends of Bunyip State Park.

Healesville Sanctuary's Wildlife Supervisor of Threatened Species Karina Cartwright said: "We have learned a lot about captive breeding and caring for this secretive little bird since Zoos Victoria first became involved over 20 years ago."

"We have been working closely with other government agencies, the local community and groups such as the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, to help bring this species back from the brink of extinction."
There are 65 confirmed Helmeted Honeyeaters living in the wild at Yellingbo Nature Conservations Reserve, south of Healesville and at Bunyip State Park recently.

DSE's Senior Ornithologist Bruce Quin said: "The release site was chosen to give the new birds the best chance of survival," Mr Quin said.

"It has the swamp and stream-side vegetation that they prefer and a permanent water source."

"We work with Parks Victoria and the volunteers to keep a close watch on the birds, including undertaking nest protection works during the breeding season, but the new birds are still vulnerable to natural predators such as hawks."

A collaborative study by the School of Biological Sciences of Monash Univeristy and Zoos Victoria, with support from DSE, will see the Helmeted Honeyeaters radio-tracked for close to three months following their release.

"The birds being released tomorrow were taken to the site earlier in the week to allow them to get used to their new surroundings, and supplementary food will be provided while they are adapting to life in the wild."