20 Tasmanian Devils Begin New Ambassador Roles Across Australia

This ambassador program plays a vitla role in furthering awareness & ensuring long-term survival of iconic species facing extinction

Conservation organisation Aussie Ark has conducted an unprecedented transfer of endangered Tasmanian Devils to multiple wildlife facilities nationwide, as part of an ongoing effort to heighten public awareness about this iconic carnivorous marsupial and save the species from extinction.

In collaboration with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP) and the Zoological Aquarium Association (ZAA) Aussie Ark has transferred a total of 20 Devils over the past two months to zoos as widespread as Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland.

In this landmark initiative, five Devils flew up to the Sunshine State to join Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Paradise Country, three males flew across the continent to Caversham Wildlife Park near Perth, four Devils flew to Melbourne Zoo, two males transferred to Gumbuya World Theme Park also in Victoria, two joined Taronga Zoo, and another four Devils crossed the Tasman Sea to join Hobart Zoo & Aquarium in their native homeland.

For the first time in its history, Aussie Ark transferred Devils in their prime at two and three years of age. All the Devils were transferred for display only, not breeding, whereas traditionally Aussie Ark has rehomed older animals that have reached the end of their breeding contribution. Each Devil was carefully selected following consideration of age, personality, genetics and individual suitability for an ambassador role.

This approach ensures the animals are well suited to inspiring and educating the public while allowing Aussie Ark to continue strengthening conservation outcomes for the species. By placing these carefully selected Devils in ambassador roles, they will help raise awareness, support conservation messaging and connect more people with the importance of protecting Tasmanian Devils in the wild.

Depending on the destination facility and quarantine requirements, some of the Devils needed to undergo rigorous health checks under light sedation. This was done by Somersby Animal Hospital head veterinarian Dr Robin Crisman, who conducted blood and fecal tests, radiographs and x-rays, and examined teeth, organ function, bone structure and body condition. All Devils were in perfect condition, and were dispatched from the Ark via the specialist animal-transport service of Wymap Group then aboard aircraft for journeys across land and sea.

Aussie Ark Co-CEO Liz Gabriel said this historic mass transfer was “logistically complex” and she was “very proud of the Aussie Ark team lead by Operations Manager Dean Reid”.

“Aussie Ark has the largest breeding and re-wilding program for endangered Tasmanian Devils on the mainland,” Ms Gabriel said. “We are committed to ensuring this species has a future on our planet, and sending our Devils across the nation and around the globe is a huge part of this conservation and educational effort.”

Please help Aussie Ark continue its vital work breeding and re-wilding the Tasmanian Devil, and building its global network of conservation partners, by donating now at aussieark.org.au