Not just a Looney Tune, Tasmanian devils are some of Australia's most unique little creatures, at risk of extinction from disease and dwindling in numbers.
But there's adorably good news afoot.
Dubbo's Taronga Western Plains Zoo has welcomed the arrival of not one but two litters of Tasmanian devil joeys, the first with three joeys and the second with four.
First-time mums Lana and Pooki have done bloody great work bringing seven little devils into the world. Lana's (two male, one female) arrived on March 19 and are currently exploring outside the den, while Pooki's only showed up on June 19 and are yet to emerge from the pouch.
“The four joeys born in June are starting to open their eyes and become more aware of their surroundings. While they are still attached to their mother's teats, we’re expecting they will begin to leave their mother’s pouch in the coming weeks,” said Taronga Western Plains Zoo Senior Keeper Steve Kleinig.
Just look at these little devils, vying for a spot on poor Lana's back. Mums rule.
Tasmanian devils are at risk of becoming extinct thanks to the seriously terrible Devil Facial Tumour Disease. These new joeys are the successful work of a national insurance population program, and a particularly targeted breeding strategy from Taronga Western Plains Zoo itself — pairing unique characteristics and genetics for successful breeding between devils.
“We are continuing to collaborate with other breeding institutions to improve the long-term viability of our program, such as Devil Ark in the Barrington Tops, where Lana and Pooki came from, and Tasmania’s Trowunna Wildlife Park, where the father originated,” Steve said.
And the approach is working. The zoo has bred 31 healthy Tasmanian devil joeys so far. With only 15,000 to 50,000 Devils remaining in the wild, every little joey helps.
Topics Animals Sustainability
