PREVIEW

Aussie Ark, a leading conservation organisation, is launching a groundbreaking effort by sending 11 Tasmanian Devils to four different zoos around the world.

The Devils are scheduled to arrive at Prague Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo, and Singapore Zoo between December 2024 and March 2025, after completing a quarantine period in Tasmania.

The group of 11 Devils consists of nine males and two females. Before their transfer, Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid and Dr. Robin Crisman, head veterinarian at Somersby Animal Hospital, conducted thorough health examinations.

“We did this under a light sedation,” said Dr. Crisman. “We checked out their body condition score, their teeth, made sure there are no external parasites, and when they’re nice and sleepy we extracted blood to make sure there are no abnormalities in the red and white blood cells and that organ function is ok.”

Along with weighing each animal and administering preventative treatments, Mr. Reid and his team also examined them for symptoms of Devil Facial Tumour Disease, even though the disease has never been detected in Aussie Ark or mainland Australia. The disease remains a significant threat to wild Tasmanian Devils. Thankfully, all 11 Devils were confirmed disease-free.

Once these health checks were completed, the animals were flown to Tasmania for quarantine and further examinations, before being distributed to the zoos according to the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association's recommendations.

“This is the first time Aussie Ark has sent Devils into the Devil ambassador program…and out all over the world!” Mr. Reid shared. “And they’re born here in Australia, right here in the Barrington Tops! I can’t believe that in a couple of years when I go to Prague Zoo, I’ll see one of our Devils there.”

These Devils, acting as ambassadors, are set to raise awareness about their endangered species in different parts of the world, promoting efforts for their preservation.

Aussie Ark will keep a close watch on the progress of the Devils throughout their international journey.