PREVIEW

An Australian conservation organisation recently completed a ‘Devil swap’ as part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil program.

The intricate exchange saw five genetically valuable Devils leave Aussie Ark for wildlife parks in Tasmania, while five Devils with wild DNA arrived from Tasmania to begin life in the Barrington Tops.

The complex operation, overseen by Operations Manager Dean Reid, unfolded in the middle of the night. The incoming Devils arrived at Sydney airport in individual crates and were transported to the Ark using a specialised animal transport truck. Upon arrival, Aussie Ark staff carefully boxed up the departing Devils, making room for the newly arrived ones to be released into the vacated enclosures—a seamless swap.

“The four females and one male leaving us tonight were handpicked for their excellent genetics by the studbook holder,” said Reid. “They are all two to three years old, so prime breeding age. They will be augmented into breeding programs in Tasmania.”

Before their departure, the five Devils from Aussie Ark underwent a stringent health check by Dr Robin Crisman of the Somersby Animal Hospital. This thorough examination included blood tests to assess organ function, pouch and teeth checks, weight monitoring, and parasite preventatives. Each Devil was also screened for Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a condition absent from the Ark’s insurance population but still a critical concern.

“All five Devils are in prime health,” Reid announced. This cleared them for quarantine and eventual entry into Tasmania. Such rigorous processes are essential, as DFTD continues to devastate Tasmania’s wild Devil population, wiping out 90% in recent years.

The incoming Devils bring with them wild DNA, a crucial factor in enhancing the Ark’s genetic diversity. “Fresh blood” strengthens the insurance population, ensuring a more robust future for this iconic species.

Aussie Ark operates the largest breeding and rewilding program for Tasmanian Devils on mainland Australia. Its 400-hectare Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary offers a disease-free and predator-free haven, critical for the species' survival.