Eight Tasmanian Devils are preparing for a trans-Tasman adventure to the United States, where they are set to become ambassadors for our island state.
The devils will be housed in various zoos across America’s north-east region as part of the Save the Devil Program.
Tasmanian Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan said devils Tequila and Tabasco will call the Toledo Zoo home, while Layna and Tori are bound for the Columbus Zoo.
Mouse and Mozza will settle into the Saint Louis Zoo, while Arya Stark and Valentina will make their home at the Fort Wayne Zoo.
“These devils have been sourced from Insurance Population animals held at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, Devils@Cradle and Tasmania Zoo,” Duigan said.
“The devils are receiving their final health checks at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania Cressy Wildlife Facility ahead of their journey, scheduled for June 4.”
Keepers from the Toledo Zoo visited Cressy this week to prepare for the arrival of the devils.
“This meant keepers could undertake training with The Save the Devil Program team on how to handle the devils and learn more about the species ahead of their export,” Duigan said.
“These devils will play an important conservation role in raising awareness of the plight of the species on the world stage and are an important part of international relationship-building efforts through the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program.”
The Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program began in 2013 and currently involves 21 zoos across New Zealand, Japan, America and Europe.
The state government has pledged ongoing funding to continue the Save the Devil Program until 2030.
