Globe-Trotting Devils!

Our Tasmanian Devils have touched down in Los Angeles, Prague, San Diego, Singapore & Perth

Aussie Ark embarks on a landmark initiative, sending 14 endangered Tasmanian Devils to four leading international zoos.

In partnership with the Department of Natural Resources & Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas), Aussie Ark has successfully transferred the Tasmanian Devils to zoos across the planet as part of a globally significant ‘Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program’ (TDAP)

The TDAP involves the export of suitable Devils from the captive population to selected international zoos to promote awareness about the Tasmanian Devil, and support conservation and research programs striving to protect this species in the wild.

In an unprecedented transfer of this scale for Aussie Ark, two Devils flew to Los Angeles Zoo, two to Prague Zoo, four to San Diego Zoo, and another four touched down in Singapore to join the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s ‘Night Safari’. Closer to home, two more Tasmanian Devils jetted across the continent to Perth Zoo, with the journey made possible thanks to Wymap Group animal transport and Virgin Airlines.

These 14 jet-setting Devils were born and bred at Aussie Ark’s Barrington Tops facility. Aussie Ark has the largest breeding program for Tasmanian Devils on mainland Australia, thereby playing a leading role in protecting the Devil from extinction.

The Tasmanian Devil is a managed species, and Aussie Ark works collaboratively with NRE Tas on these TDAP international exports. The 12 TDAP Devils destined for overseas were firstly given a rigorous health check at Aussie Ark’s facility on NSW’s Barrington Tops by Somersby Animal Hospital Head Vet Dr Robin Crisman, including teeth, blood and body condition testing.

From there, these 12 Devils were transferred to NRE Tas’ Cressy facility in Tasmania for pre-export quarantine before continuing onwards to Los Angeles, Prague, San Diego and Singapore.

The Tasmania Devils were given a hero’s welcome at all their overseas ports. Czechoslovakian journalists crowded Prague Zoo to document their arrival, with keepers proudly presenting the Devils to a wall of cameras. Meanwhile, USA-bound Tasmanian Devils Danny Zuko, Crush, Flotsam and Jetsom were treated like Hollywood stars at the prestigious LA and San Diego Zoos, with carers in both zoos expressing delight to have this rare Aussie icon in the States.

“Their arrival highlights the important relationship we have with the Save the Tasmanian Devil program over in Australia,” San Diego Zoo Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Emily Warkins said. “There are not many facilities outside of Australia where you can see them with your own eyes. So these Devils offer an educational opportunity for our guests to learn more about their conservation story, and see their repertoire of behaviours and what makes them so special.”

Four Tasmanian Devils – Lumiere, Scuttle, Cogsworth and Cuttlefish – have taken up residence at Mandai Wildlife Group’s iconic ‘Night Safari’ in Singapore. This marks the very first time the Devils have been housed in the Asian capital, where they now hold pride of place in the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, home to dozens of remarkable species.

“It will be our very first time working with them!” Mandai Wildlife Group Assistant Curator Razak Jaffar said. “So we felt a huge sense of responsibility to make sure that everything goes right!”

Aussie Ark Conservation Manager Hayley Shute said this complex international transfer took many months of preparation and work and thanked everyone involved.

“I’m so proud of our globe-trotting Devils!” Ms Shute said. “I can’t believe that next time I go to America or Europe, I’ll see one of our Devils over there! Their presence in worldwide zoos helps raise awareness about their species, which in turn helps with their long-term conservation. It is so rewarding.”