Two Tasmanian devils have landed at Los Angeles Zoo, the first time in five years the endangered marsupials have taken up residence at the Californian attraction.
The two males, named Danny Zuko and Crush, arrived last month and have already become crowd favourites at the zoo’s Animals of Australia exhibit.
Several Tasmanian devils live in zoos and sanctuaries overseas as part of the devil ambassador program, which aims to raise awareness and support for the species.
“The LA Zoo has a long history of caring for this species and we are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to share them with our guests,” the zoo’s curator of mammals Candace Sclimenti said.
“We are honoured to provide an experience that will help people better understand these wonderful animals and the challenges they face in the wild.”
“It will be exciting to see our guests connect with this endangered species.”
The devils were bred at Aussie Ark in New South Wales.
Listed as endangered, Tasmanian devils are battling multiple threats, most notably from the devastating devil facial tumour disease.
Just last year, eight other Tasmanian devils were sent to the United States, finding new homes in zoos across the north-east.
Among them were Tequila and Tabasco, who joined the Toledo Zoo, Layna and Tori at the Columbus Zoo, Mouse and Mozza at the Saint Louis Zoo and Arya Stark and Valentina, who settled into the Fort Wayne Zoo.
