PREVIEW

An Australian conservation organisation has conducted the first pouch checks of its Tasmanian Devil population for the 2025 breeding season, celebrating the arrival of 10 new joeys.

The announcement comes just weeks after severe floods impacted Aussie Ark Wildlife Sanctuary in Barrington Tops, highlighting the resilience of both the animals and the conservationists who protect them.

The survival and excellent health of the young Devils and their mothers serve as a powerful symbol of Aussie Ark’s dedication and determination in the face of adversity.

“This is a really important time of year for us to be checking the female Devils and their joeys to ensure they’re in prime health,” said Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid. “We’re proud to be the largest breeding facility for Tasmanian Devils on mainland Australia - and even more proud to welcome our latest little bubbas!”

Aussie Ark’s Tasmanian Devil breeding program is central to its conservation efforts. The species, once common across mainland Australia, is now listed as endangered. Through its carefully managed breeding initiative, the organisation is playing a critical role in the fight to save the Tasmanian Devil from extinction.

The latest pouch checks took place in two dedicated breeding yards within the Species Recovery Unit, overseen by Mr Reid, with assistance from Senior Conservation Ranger Nero Rochet and Wildlife Ranger Laura Chapman. Each yard accommodates four female and four male Devils, with trapping carried out overnight and checked at dawn to reduce animal stress.

Seven females were captured during this round of monitoring. Of those, four were found to have joeys - their size varying from that of a finger lime to date, indicating conception across different oestrus cycles. The remaining three females, currently in their third oestrus, may still conceive this breeding season.

Each new joey is a vital step forward for the species and a source of pride for Aussie Ark’s dedicated team. With more births anticipated in the coming weeks, the organisation remains hopeful and focused on its mission to restore the Tasmanian Devil’s presence in the wild.